Jason Leonard: England must make progress in Investec Internationals

08/09/2010

Jason Leonard has said England cannot afford to take a backward step in the Investec Internationals.

The former England prop said the "big challenge" awaiting Martin Johnson's men in the upcoming Tests with Australia, New Zealand, Samoa and South Africa will be replicating their form from this summer.

During their southern hemisphere tour, the team battled back from a first Test defeat against the Wallabies to win the second game 21-20, their first victory in Australia since 2007.

Speaking to Talksport's Full Contact show, Leonard said it would be "unacceptable" for England to go backwards from this achievement in the Investec Internationals.

"They've got to use that performance in Australia as a benchmark and improve on it. That's the challenge for the players and the coaches," he commented.

At the time of his retirement, Leonard was the world record holder for international caps, amassing 114 for his country and five for the British and Irish Lions.

However, his total was surpassed in 2005 by Australian scrum-half George Gregan.

Posted by Sandie Banwait