Hartley: No fear of All Blacks by Jones’ boys

Dylan Hartley has never been cowed by reputations and the former England captain believes the side who contest tonight’s World Cup semifinal will be similarly unfazed by New Zealand.

Hartley, who was ruled out of the World Cup through injury, is adamant that there will be no fear factor for Eddie Jones’ side.

“I think the media build this aura for them,” Hartley said of the All Blacks. “They win games because they are better than other teams. They lose games because the other team is better on the day.

“As a player, I have never gone into a game thinking that we couldn’t beat them. I don’t know if that’s the difference between being a player and being a fan or a journo, but, as a player, you are a competitor. You always believe you can win.

”[New Zealand] have earned their title. They have earned two successive World Cups. [But] England have Lions players who have beaten them in New Zealand. The team that played last November came within a point. The team will believe.”

Hartley, 33, has faced New Zealand eight times across his 97-cap test career, coming closest to victory last November at Twickenham in what could turn out to be his final match as captain — he and Owen Farrell shared responsibilities that day.

The hosts opened a 15-0 lead before losing 16-15. After scoring England’s second try from a 13-man driving maul, Hartley was replaced at hooker by Jamie George at halftime. Scott Barrett, starting tonight, then arrived from the bench to help the All Blacks dominate the lineout.

Steve Hansen’s men were indebted to Sam Underhill’s disallowed try in the final moments, because of a Courtney Lawes off side.

Hartley explained that England could take heart from that performance, as well as a Manu Tuilagiinspired triumph in 2012.

Having worked closely with Jones, leading the side to 17 consecutive wins across 2016 and 2017 to begin the Australian’s tenure, Hartley also heralded the influence of the coach.

“Eddie is a legend,” he said. “I loved working with him. I appreciate everything he gave to me, the mentoring he gave me and the way he prodded me to get the best out of me.

“I enjoy watching him. Just from the stuff he says in the media, I think he is brilliant for the game.”