LONDON - England coach Stuart Lancaster wants to use the team's record-breaking win over world champions New Zealand in December as a springboard to success in the forthcoming Six Nations Championship.
Following narrow defeats by Australia and South Africa, England stunned the world of rugby with a blistering 38-21 victory over the All Blacks at Twickenham on December 1. The 17-point difference gave England their greatest winning margin against New Zealand but the manner of their victory was especially impressive.
Having gone 15-0 up early in the second-half, England saw New Zealand close to within a point after two tries in three second-half minutes. However, England themselves then responded with three tries of their own as Brad Barritt, Chris Ashton and Manu Tuilagi crossed New Zealand's line.
Lancaster, though, warned yesterday the euphoria of beating the All Blacks would count for little if England, last season's runners-up, failed to maintain their form in this term's Six Nations.
In contrast to the New Zealand match, England will be firm favourites to beat a Scotland side who haven't won at Twickenham since 1983 when they start this latest Six Nations at home to their oldest rivals on February 2.
"We need to make sure we build on our performance," Lancaster told Sky Sports.