London: England coach Eddie Jones believes his side are now at their most vulnerable as they go in search of a record-equalling win against his native Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.
Victory in the final Test of the year will see England draw level with their national record of 14 consecutive wins set in 2002-03 under the regime of Clive Woodward, whose side went on to beat an Australia team coached by Jones in the 2003 World Cup final in Sydney.
In June, England whitewashed the Wallabies 3-0 in Australia but Jones said that would make them even more dangerous opponents, with the tourists desperate to atone for a 27-24 defeat by Ireland last weekend that scuppered their hopes of a Grand Slam.
“I think it makes us more vulnerable and them more hungry,” said Jones. “Whenever you get beaten your attention is more and you want it more.
“When you have had some wins your appetite is pretty full and it’s a test of the mindset on Saturday.”
Jones said the example of boxing great Muhammad Ali was one England should follow to maintain their drive.
“To be the best in the world you have to be like Ali and go for those road runs every morning at 5am when no one notices. You have to have the relentless desire and pursuit of excellence.”
England have won all 12 of their Tests under Jones, appointed after a World Cup where a victory over Uruguay came too late to prevent coach Stuart Lancaster getting the sack, with the tournament hosts having failed by then to qualify for the knockout phase.
Having been without up to seven first-choice players during the end of year series, England are now missing forwards James Haskell, Maro Itoje and key No 8 Billy Vunipola, who suffered a knee injury during last week’s 27-14 win over Argentina — a match where wing Elliot Daly saw red for a dangerous tackle.
Nathan Hughes, set to make his full debut, replaces Vunipola, with Marland Yarde in for the suspended Daly.
