England forwards coach Graham Rowntree has claimed that Rugby World Cup opponents Australia have "raised the bar for the rest of us" with their recent performances.
The Wallabies clinched the Rugby Championship title last weekend by beating world champions New Zealand 27-19 in Sydney.
With England and Australia to meet in Pool A of the World Cup, Rowntree has identified the Aussies as one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.
"The manner in which they're doing it - their set-piece and their breakdown work - they've raised the bar for the rest of us," he told BBC Sport.
"I've been watching them very closely. Their last three games have been very impressive. Starting with the South Africa win, going to Argentina and winning - and given Argentina's performance at the weekend (beating South Africa) that win is even more impressive - and then to beat the All Blacks..."
England play the first of three Rugby World Cup warm-up matches on Saturday when they face France at Twickenham Stadium.
Jack Prescott
