England's 14-game winning run no surprise for Stuart Lancaster
Friday 9 December 2016 11:44, UK
Stuart Lancaster insists England's winning run under his successor Eddie Jones has come as no surprise to him.
England's 14-game streak began in Lancaster's final game as head coach when they beat Uruguay 60-3 in Manchester at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Their pool-stage exit - the first host nation in Rugby World Cup history to suffer that fate - saw Lancaster depart Twickenham shortly afterwards with Australian Jones installed as his replacement.
Under Jones, England have claimed a Six Nations Grand Slam, whitewashed Australia on their summer tour and won all four of their autumn Tests against South Africa, Fiji, Argentina and the Wallabies.
"To go for such a long extended run is pretty unique. Very few international teams have been on that sort of winning run," said Lancaster, who is now a coach at Leinster.
"It's fantastic, really, but in terms of success, I am not surprised because I know the team and know how good the players are.
"I think the credit goes to Eddie and his coaches. I think they have done a brilliant job in getting the best out of a very experienced team.
"When the World Cup came, we had about 450 caps in the starting side. Now, it's about 600-700 with an average age of 25. I always said that the new phase of England rugby would be successful.
"But nothing happens by chance, and i think the coaches, and in particular Eddie, deserve the credit for that."
Lancaster met with Jones shortly after his departure and informed the Australian of the quality he was inheriting.
"I said to Eddie 'I think there is a good squad here, a good group of players'. And he has brought his own personality and style to the team, which they've benefited from," Lancaster revealed.
"Good luck to them for the Six Nations, Being in Ireland now, all roads are leading to the Aviva (Stadium) on St Patrick's Day (England play Ireland in the tournament's final match a day afterwards). It will be some Six Nations.
"Across the board, you build so many relationships, so I am pleased for all of them - Tom Wood coming back into the equation, Chris Robshaw - those sort of guys who were in my leadership team.
"For Tom to get back in and play well and demonstrate to Eddie what he can offer, I am pleased for him. I am equally pleased for everyone, really. They are a good group of honest players who have always wanted to get better, and you are seeing that now."
