Tuesday 21 June 2016 15:47, UK
Josh Lewsey has identified flankers Chris Robshaw and James Haskell as key to England's Test series success in Australia.
Eddie Jones' team took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series against the Wallabies thanks to a 23-7 win in Melbourne, live on Sky Sports, adding to their earlier 39-28 victory in Brisbane.
Lewsey, who was part of England's World Cup winning side in 2003, praised Robshaw for rebuilding his international reputation after he skippered the hosts to a disappointing World Cup last year, which was ended with defeat to Australia.
The 30-year-old turned in a man-of-the-match performance on his 50th England appearance as the tourists repelled waves of Australian pressure to give themselves the chance of securing a series whitewash.
And Lewsey, who played for England between 1998 and 2008, also praised 31-year-old Haskell, who has been revitalised under the guidance of coach Jones, following his own man-of-the-match display in the opening Test.
"I think it was right and decent that Robshaw picked up his 50th cap last weekend against a team who some people said had ended his England career," said Lewsey. "To then come back and show a sense of resolve, good on him for doing that.
"Haskell had his career-defining games in the last couple of weeks, he has got down and knuckled down.
"We all love James the character but he hasn't talked about it, he has gone and done it and that is what top level sport is all about. He has created a lot of worldwide respect as a result of that."
