Publications
Partners
Cape Town - England flyhalf George Ford says the side are not close to achieving their full potential yet, despite a record-equalling 14th successive victory.
Their win over Australia on Saturday also saw them go a calendar year unbeaten for the first time since 1992 while also sealing an end of year series clean sweep.
However, Ford says the side can get even better.
“We are looking to play that perfect game and that’s why we train so hard, to get us in that situation to do that,” he told the RFU's official website.
“I don’t think we’re close to that yet so that’s quite exciting.”
England trailed 10-0 to Australia before fighting back to win 37-21 and Ford said he was proud to play a part in their success over the past year.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game,” he added.
“You always want to be part of a winning team and to be part of this team is special. The lads are hungry to improve and get better, even Saturday’s game we were frustrated with our performance but as long as we stay humble and have that desire to improve we’ll be alright.”
Flanker Tom Wood, who was recalled to the squad over the autumn series, hailed the confidence and belief in the England camp.
The Northampton Saints forward played a key part in games against South Africa and Argentina as well as Saturday’s match and he said he felt “privileged” to be back involved with England.
“It’s been brilliant to be back in camp, I had to wait a while but I didn’t want to let anyone down, my teammates or my country,” said Wood.
“I’ve always believed we had the capability and the players (to succeed), I wasn’t involved in the early days so it’s hard to say what changed instantly. Since I’ve come into the camp I can speak for an inner belief and confidence that’s been bred – partly from winning.
"I don’t know what the initial catalyst was; you’ve got to put it down to Eddie and the coaches. They’ve come in and they have instilled that belief and confidence and now the team is starting to run itself. The self-belief is there and we are in that winning habit. Ever since I’ve come into camp there has always been this inner belief that we can do it. I’ve never felt so prepared, organised and confident going into games.”
