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Rugby

Martin Johnson says current England crop can reproduce the achievements of 2003

England extended their winning streak in Test matches to 13 games and know that one more win will...



Martin Johnson says current En...
Rugby

Martin Johnson says current England crop can reproduce the achievements of 2003

England extended their winning streak in Test matches to 13 games and know that one more win will see them equal the record of 14 matches held by the class of 2003.

That side, of course, lifted the World Cup that year and the former England head coach says that the more experienced players have added to the quality of the team over the past 12 months.

Eddie Jones' side lifted the Six Nations and completed the Grand Slam earlier this year. Their performances during the November Test Series has seen them beat South Africa, Fiji and Argentina, before they come up against Australia this weekend.

"We had a very experienced team at that point," Johnson told BBC Sport. "You've got a group now who have been around for a couple of World Cups, and have got a lot of caps."

A win against Michael Cheika's side would see them reach that 14-win mark, which seems certainly achievable considering the Aussie's recent results.

The southern hemisphere side scraped by Scotland, before being beaten by Ireland last weekend at the Aviva Stadium.

Good performances and a positive record would see them go into the Lions Tour in good shape, with many of the current England crop vying for a spot in Warren Gatland's team.

"It would be great to see a whole chunk of Englishmen go on that tour," Johnson said.

Of their recent performances in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Johnson said: "They have had some disappointments like we all do, and you either fall away or use them to motivate yourself.

"I hope they are enjoying what they are doing. When you are winning it does create that momentum of good fun, and everyone wants to be in the group."

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