Croft and company are inspired to set new benchmarks

The Leicester flanker rekindled memories of his starring role on the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour with a commanding all-round performance in England’s 24-22 victory over France on Sunday.

Croft has never stopped looking to build on that Lions experience, but it is only since Stuart Lancaster took charge that he feels he has really made a breakthrough.

The environment Lancaster has created is in complete contrast to that in England’s World Cup squad where, according to testimony in the leaked tournament reviews, players were “mocked” by team-mates if they tried too hard in training.

Croft said: “You work a little bit harder now because you are surrounded by guys who are doing the exact same thing. You don’t want to be the guy not doing it and letting the side down.

“Guys are setting benchmarks and you want to supersede that benchmark. It has a ratchet effect on people working as hard as they can, to lift the whole team up. It is about trying to be the guy to inspire.”

Lancaster and forwards coach Graham Rowntree are only temporarily in charge of England, but Croft believes they are beginning to draw the best from him.

The 26-year-old added his voice to those of captain Chris Robshaw and other senior players who have endorsed Lancaster’s application to be England’s permanent head coach.

Lancaster will name his side to face Ireland today and is expected to make only one change to the starting line-up, with David Strettle regaining his place on the wing from Charlie Sharples after overcoming a chest injury.

Centre Nick De Luca (hamstring) has been restored to the Scotland starting line-up in place of wing Lee Jones (concussion) for Saturday’s Six Nations wooden spoon decider with Italy.

Newcastle’s next director of rugby Dean Richards is committed to taking charge of the Falcons even if they are relegated from the Premiership.

Richards has confirmed he will take over from South African Gary Gold after his three-year suspension expires on August 19.

Richards took Leicester to four Premiership titles and two Heineken Cup crowns before taking Harlequins from the Championship into the last eight in Europe.

Richards was banned after the ‘Bloodgate’ scandal erupted in 2009 when Harlequins’ Tom Williams used a fake blood capsule to feign injury against Leinster.