Stuart Lancaster not surprised by England success

Former England coach Stuart Lancaster lavished praise on his successor Eddie Jones though he admitted that the red rose team's stupendous success did not surprise him.

England are currently on a 14-match unbeaten streak since their 2015 Rugby World Cup win over Uruguay and in the process they have also levelled the national record of most games won continuously which was set by Sir Clive Woodward's 2003 World Cup winning team.

Lancaster, who had a four-year stint with England between 2011 and 2015 was sacked from his post following the World Cup debacle where Chris Robshaw's men were knocked out of the tournament in the first round.

Once Jones took over, England went on to clinch the Grand Slam for the first time in 13 years during Six Nations 2016, whitewashed Wallabies for the first time in Australia and also remained unbeaten in their autumn international fixture.

Lancaster now is the coach of Leinster that will take on Northampton on Friday and will be up against the likes of England stars Dylan Hartley, Tom Wood and Courtney Lawes.

"To go for such a long extended run is pretty unique. Very few international teams have been on that sort of winning run," he said.

"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."

The 47-year-old also revealed his conversation with Jones before he left the post and insisted that the current England squad is a talented bunch.

"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.

"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."