Brown warns against complacency

Editor

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 12: (L to R) Billy Vunipoa, Mike Brown and Dylan Hartley of England line up for the national anthem prior to the Old Mutual Wealth Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 12, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images,)

England full-back Mike Brown has warned his side against complacency ahead of their clash with Australia on Saturday.

Since Eddie Jones’ appointment, England have won 12 Test matches in-a-row, and England can now end 2016 as the only unbeaten tier one nation in world rugby, if they topple the Wallabies on Saturday.

However, the Harlequin says that records and winning streaks are things to appreciate in retirement.

“Our main goal is to be the number one team in the world and then win the World Cup. That is it,” Brown told the England Rugby website.

“The only danger for us is allowing complacency to set in, which is what we talk about as a team all the time.

“We all know as individuals that if we allow things like that to affect us, someone will be desperate to take our position quickly – and can.”

The 31-year-old made a return to the 15 shirt last week against Argentina, where he had to adapt his game in both attack and defence, after England went down to 14 players.

“Even when we were a man down, we were making breaks with the limited ball we had.”

England have won all three of their games this November, and Brown says the side aim to continue getting better with each passing game.

“As a sportsman you just want to win every time you play,” he added.

“Every time you win a game it builds confidence and belief. You don’t look backwards; it is onto the next challenge, onto getting better. You just move on.”