England are improving but nowhere near their best.
That’s the warning from coach Eddie Jones after his side put last year’s disappointing Six Nations behind them with a thumping 32-20 victory over holders Ireland on Saturday.
Without a victory in Dublin for six years and having to go back two years before that for the last time they even crossed the try line at the Aviva Stadium, England secured what before kick off seemed to be the unlikeliest of bonus-point wins.
Their four tries and physical dominance over an Irish side not used to losing battles up front built on an encouraging November series that had already put last season’s fifth-place championship finish in the rear-view mirror.
But Jones says: “We’re a team that’s still growing, we’re nowhere near our best.
“Some games are immensely physical, some are more tactical and we went in there and probably shaded them a little bit in that area.
“We know they’re a top team but I thought our intensity, particularly in the first part, was outstanding.”
The Australian singled out captain Owen Farrell for praise alongside try scorers Henry Slade and Jonny May, but was most pleased with his front five - which included loosehead prop Man of the Match Mako Vunipola.
In other Six Nations action, Wales had to come from behind to beat France 24-19 on Friday night, while Scotland currently top the log after their bonus point 33-20 win over Italy on Saturday.