Mike Tindall says the England side has been brought closer together after seeing a more passionate side of Martin Johnson.
After a sluggish start to his time in charge, Johnson’s side can seal an RBS Six Nations Grand Slam if they manage to win their remaining fixtures against Scotland and Ireland.
And Tindall, a member of the 2003 World Cup-winning side captained by Johnson, thinks the team manager is now beginning to leave his mark on the side in the same way he did as skipper.
“The only real comparison between now and 2003 is the togetherness and banter and how we get on, how comfortable everyone is in each other’s company,” the centre said.
“When he is in the changing room he is showing the boys more of the Martin Johnson that you saw on the field. We wanted to see that fiery side of him.
“Every time we go out just before a game he looks like he wants to go out there with us. Yes he’s grown into his role but we’ve always known about him having that ability to relax and have fun.
“That all comes from having a successful team and we’re fortunate at the moment because that’s what we’ve got.
“It brings everybody closer together and everybody enjoys being here, the more successful it gets.”
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England have not always had such a settled squad under Johnson, with disagreements over the style of play being apparent this time last year.
But Tindall says the players and coaches have now found a common understanding and the side is reaping the rewards out on the pitch.
He added: “It was tough when Johnno came in. You have to give people time to develop and find out what they want to do and how they want to approach things.
“It’s been a building process with all the coaches, with players starting to trust that and react to it.
“We’re finally getting to where the coaches are comfortable listening to what the payers say and taking it onboard and vice versa. It’s working well and hopefully it will continue for a long time.
“I don’t think in the past we have got the best out of all the players whereas now we seem to have found a way and a style that everyone wants to play, everyone can get involved in and everyone can express themselves.
“If you have that you have a happy team who want to lay their body down on the line. That is how it is going.”
