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RugbyFifteens

Experience the key to England's winning run, says former captain and coach Martin Johnson

Eddie Jones’ side is looking to stretch their unbeaten streak to 14 matches this Saturday against Australia

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Former England coach and captain Martin Johnson says experience is the key to England’s success. Photo: Reuters
Reuters

Eddie Jones’ rampant England side are benefiting from the experience in their ranks and have the potential to emulate the team that won the 2003 World Cup, according to former captain and coach Martin Johnson.

Victory over Australia on Saturday in their final autumn international would stretch England’s winning run to 14, equalling the record set by Johnson’s side.

They are the only unbeaten nation in the world this year.

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“You’ve got a group now who have been around for a couple of World Cups, and have got a lot of caps,” Johnson, who was head coach from 2008 to 2011, told the BBC.

“Players like Ben Youngs and captain Dylan Hartley have 50 caps-plus, so they are getting into the part of their careers when they are at their peak.”

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England coach Eddie Jones has won every match since taking over after the 2015 World Cup. Reuters
England coach Eddie Jones has won every match since taking over after the 2015 World Cup. Reuters

Scrum half Youngs and hooker Hartley, who was made captain by Jones, were both handed their international debuts by Johnson.

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