Thwick has helped launch Launchbury

art Mcinally, left, wasn’t playing that day but knows Eddie Jones’ side are ‘one of the best teams in the world’. chbury credits the influveborthwickforthenewly lineout expertise that has m on the brink of his 50th cap. bury will reach that e in Saturday’s Natnations clash with at Murrayfield stablishing himtarter under Eddie ving initially been a replacement role. year-old Wasps captain ys rated by Jones and his Borthwick, who oversees rds, with one reservation. ea we had our concern was his lineout jumping ability,” Jones said. “But he has not been an outstanding lineout jumper so he has worked really hard in that area. Now that’s not an area to hold him back. He is held in very high regard by us.”

Launchbury is playing the best rugby of his career, producing the highlight to date with the stunning offload that led to Jonny May’s second try in the 12-6 win against Wales.

“Steve Borthwick has been fantastic with me in the lineout, trying to improve and upskill me,” said Launchbury, pictured. “He’s the first forwards coach I’ve had who has been a second row. The others have been props and they’re fantastic at what they do but that attention to me as a jumper that Steve’s brought in has been fantastic.

“I always enjoyed getting my hands on the ball, trying to offload. I did enjoy the set-piece but didn’t give it the full attention it deserved.”

The smoothing of Launchbury’s rough edges has propelled him to the cusp of a half century of caps, an achievement that will arrive when England’s Six Nations title defence resumes on the back of victories over Italy and Wales.

“It’s crept up on me a bit. I never thought for one moment that I would get 50 caps. It will be a fantastic achievement and one that will make my family really proud,” Launchbury said.

“I remember the first cap very well, Mako Vunipola and I were talking about it the other night.

“We made out debuts together and have been in and around the team since then and have had some great moments in an England shirt. Hopefully there are more to come.”