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Lawes inspired by fierce competition
By Russell Greaves
Courtney Lawes says the fierce competition for places in England's starting line-up has forced him to up his game.
The Northampton Saints star has started in his country's last six matches, helping Eddie Jones side to stretch their winning run to 16 games.
Back-to-back victories to kick off the defence of their Six Nations title have kept alive hopes of a second consecutive Grand Slam and Lawes believes the strength in depth at Jones' disposal has brought the best out of him.
Competing with the likes of George Kruis, Maro Itoje and Joe Launchbury, Lawes conceded: "I've had to raise my game.
"Myself and Joe have had our fair share of injuries, but we've put together a good run of games now both internationally and for our club so that makes a massive difference in terms of getting back to the type of form to stay ahead of Maro or Kruis.
"The good thing is, Eddie Jones is going to choose who is in the best form so all you can do is work your hardest.
"I've had to push myself a lot harder in the last year and a half than I have done previously in my career, it's really good for me as I get to see where my potential is and how far I can go."
Having overcome France and Wales, England host Italy at the end of the month.
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Latest Comments
I still see nothing in Sotutus play that hes changed his upright running style that failed so many times against decent international defences like the french. Other than that… Iose? Well you have covered his limitations well. If Sititi had been playing the the season… Jacobson? Grace?…Neither shout pick me. So Ardie it is.
Go to commentsThere isn’t one element you mentioned there that every top class or successful team gets up to. The great All blacks sides used to play on the ‘fringes or edge’ but it was essentially saying they were doing something illegal or borderline to gain dominance. The fine margins at the top are minute between the top sides. La Rochelle, the crusaders, Saracens, Toulon etc etc…..have all been accused. Get over it, the comment comes across as salty and naive. Northampton as well as they played to get back into the match were thoroughly beaten and controlled for 60 minutes and Leinster have only themselves to blame for kicking it away and hence losing control of the match and being nearly the architects of their own downfall.
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