WASPS flanker James Haskell feels Eddie Jones is bringing the best out of him after he helped England battle their way to a 39-28 victory over Australia in Brisbane.
The 31-year-old produced a man-of-the-match performance against the Wallabies on Saturday as England took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Haskell made no fewer than 18 tackles and won three turnovers in what was one of his best ever peformances for his country and he feels new Australian head coach Jones has been a revelation since agreeing to become England’s first ever foreign coach last November.
“He keeps looking after me really, he brings me my green shakes every day to make sure that I’m still surviving,” said Haskell.
“He calls me an old bloke every day and the thing with Eddie is he inspires you to want to play for him.
“Eddie has worked really closely with the boys on their decision making, going through scenarios and trying things that may or may not happen.
“Now there’re 15 leaders on the pitch making really good decisions and tonight it came off.”
England remain unbeaten under Jones and head into Saturday’s second test against Australia looking to wrap up what would be a record breaking first series win in Australia.
“We have a really good atmosphere where we really enjoy ourselves off the field but work hard on the field,” added Haskell.
“He reminds me every day that my finger tips are clinging on and every time I get to put on the white shirt it’s a great honour.”
Haskell has once again has been selected to face Australia again this Saturday (11am kick off), while fellow Wasps team mates Matt Mullan and Joe Launchbury will also start.
England captain Dylan Hartley will lead the side on a day when full-back Mike Brown will win his 50th England cap at the Suncorp Stadium.
“We have picked a side to win in Brisbane,” said England head coach Eddie Jones. “As always selection was tight and naturally players are disappointed, but we’ve gone with a 23 that has a good mix of experience and youth.
“We’re excited to be playing against a strong Australian team in their backyard. The Wallabies are ranked second in the world and have the World Rugby coach of the year, so that’s why they start as favourites. There’s a lot of expectation on them to win the series convincingly.”