Paul: I want best defence in the world

PAUL Gustard insists England are intent on becoming the best defensive team in the world – a quest that begins when Argentina visit Twickenham today.

Eddie Jones’ men open their autumn schedule in search of a ninth successive victory over the Pumas amid a challenge from assistant coach Gustard to become the meanest side in the game.

“We want to have the best defence, whatever percentage increase that equates to I don’t care,” Gustard said.

“I want the best defence in the world and I’ve told that to Eddie and told that to the team. Eddie wants me to deliver the best defensive team in the world. Any team that wins the World Cup, apart from the last one when the best attack also won, has the best defence.

“Going into the World Cup we need to be bulletproof, trust each other, have confidence in each other, be adaptable, confrontational and absorb pressure when our attack isn’t firing.”

Gustard revealed that Sam Underhill will be England’s defensive leader despite having only made his debut against Argentina in June.

The 21-year-old averages 15 tackles a match for Bath this season and has the opportunity to stake a long-term claim to the openside duties following James Haskell’s loss of form and Tom Curry’s autumn-ending wrist injury.

“It’s important that Sam stamps some authority in that area though action and direction,” Gustard said.

“Sam’s style of play suits what we have been looking at from a seven. James Haskell performed that role brilliantly for us and what expect from Sam is a dominant performance.

“He’s not a Haskell in terms of how he talks, thankfully, as there’s a bit of air space for other people but his action is excellent.

“He is a physical player has stopping power, can hit people backwards and take momentum away in attack. He prides himself on stopping people with force. On the other side of the ball he must clear out efficiently and effectively. We expect him to go up another level against Argentina.”