Alex Corbisiero backs England to win all four autumn Tests

By PA Sport

Image: Eddie Jones is seeking a 10th successive win in charge of England

Alex Corbisiero believes Eddie Jones has developed an element of "arrogance" in England that will see them swagger into their autumn program.

South Africa open the Old Mutual Wealth Series when they visit Twickenham on Saturday, followed by Fiji, Argentina and Australia with a record-equalling 14 successive Test victories the prize at stake come December 3.

Live International Rugby Union

Since Jones took over in the wake of last year's Wold Cup disaster, England have been crowned Grand Slam champions and posted an historic 3-0 series whitewash of the Wallabies.

Corbisiero, who began a sabbatical from the game last year after winning 20 Red Rose caps and two for the British and Irish Lions, predicts a clean sweep of southern hemisphere scalps over the coming weekends.

"What Eddie has done well with England is honing their mindset and developing their ruthlessness. They have a bit of arrogance that they play with now," Corbisiero said.

Advertisement

QUIZ: England's last win over Springboks

England were 23-21 winners over South Africa in 2006 but can you name the starting XV?

"I think that arrogance suits them because they go about their business, they say what they want in the press and don't worry about things, they're head down and they're all about performance. That's come from the top.

"I'm betting they will win all four games. You can't deny the form they're in and what they've achieved so far. They seem to be a team on an upward curve.

Also See:

"The number of injuries they have are frustrating and they're missing key guys like Maro Itoje and George Kruis, but they're still in a good place. They still have good leaders on the field. They have great guys coming in."

I'm betting they will win all four games. You can't deny the form they're in and what they've achieved so far.
Alex Corbisiero

The form player in England's ranks is Mako Vunipola, the rampaging Saracens prop who has been devastating with the ball in hand this season.

Corbisiero, who filled the position with distinction until injury took its toll, has anointed the 25-year-old as world class following his transformation into the complete front row.

Mako Vunipola has praised the impact that Eddie Jones has had on the England squad since his appointment almost a year ago

"In my opinion, Mako is the best loosehead in the world and I will defend that view against anyone," said Corbisiero. "He's moving into a class of his own.

"His set piece has become so consistent and it's ever-improving. He's becoming a dominant scrummager.

"Everything he does around the field is incredible - his work-rate, his defence, his turnovers, his carrying, offloads, passes out the back.

"He's never in the wrong position and is a great, intelligent rugby player who makes the right decisions who can make an impact while covering the basics that a prop needs to do."

Vunipola ready for brutal Boks

Mako Vunipola speaks to Sky Sports ahead of Saturday's Twickenham Test

Corbisiero was speaking in promotion of the N-Pro head guard, which has been newly developed with the aim of helping reduce the impact of concussion.

"It's a medically designed device that absorbs and disperses blows to the head. It won't prevent concussion but it will help lessen the impact of the blows," he said.

"Concussion is never going to go away, it's about managing the risk. Why wouldn't you wear it if it helps? Anything that can reduce head trauma, even by a small amount, is beneficial."

Watch England v South Africa live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Saturday from 2pm. Catch all four of England's Old Mutual Wealth Series fixtures for £25 with NOW TV. No contract.

Outbrain