Thursday 25 February 2016 17:16, UK
Dylan Hartley says the demands of new coach Eddie Jones are driving England on as they chase a first Six Nations title since 2011.
Jones replaced Stuart Lancaster as head coach following England's disappointing World Cup campaign on home soil and has started his reign with back-to-back away victories over Scotland and Italy, with Ireland next up at Twickenham on Saturday.
The Australian has claimed England are capable of becoming the most dominant team in the world if they continue their progress and new captain Hartley has revealed how he intends to do that.
"I think it's the demand," the Northampton hooker told Sky Sports News HQ. "Every session he demands we get better in that session, whether it be fitness, skills, anything. He is just demanding we get better week to week.
"We had the down week last week so training was intense and he demanded fitness in that week. Whereas this week we have had a game to prepare for, so getting better might be doing your homework off the field, sitting down having a chat with your lineout caller - just always trying to get better, trying to improve, trying to improve relationships.
"That's his expectation and that's where he wants to take us."
Hartley is poised to lead England out at Twickenham for the first time on Saturday and is looking forward to taking on a "proper" team in defending champions Ireland.
"We are two games in, hugely excited to be back at Twickenham playing against a proper team so it's all on the line," he said. "They are a good side, there is no hiding that, but to be back at Twickenham is great for us.
"We have had a week off last week so preparation has been key, we have had a lot of time together. Training this week has been detailed and we are going to be ready for the game."
There appears to be an upbeat mood in the England camp following their two wins, but Hartley, who has replaced Chris Robshaw as captain, refused to take any credit.
"The team has always been together, we have always had good guys here," he said. "And, let's be honest, we have won two games - when you are winning things off the field are always easy, it's always rosy.
"There will be a stage I'm sure when this team has a dip along the way - there will be struggles - and it's how we react in those times.
"But at the moment things are good, we are confident, we are together and we are enjoying the environment."
