England coach Eddie Jones backs Ben Youngs for Lions place after Australia win
EDDIE JONES sent Warran Gatland a strong message about his British and Irish Lions team after Ben Youngs inspired England to a 37-21 win over Australia at Twickenham.
Ben Youngs already has two Lions caps to his name - and Eddie Jones believes it should be more
England were all at sea in the opening encounters and could easily have found themselves three tries down.
However, Sefa Naivalu's sixth-minute try and two kicks from Bernard Foley were all that Australia managed while England sleep-walked their way through the opening exchanges.
But Youngs' mature kicking and brilliant tap penalty try shortly after half-time laid the foundation for England to roar back from 10 points behind and close out their unbeaten 2016 at a canter.
Ben Youngs scored a try from a quick tap penalty that stretched England's lead
And England coach Eddie Jones was quick to praise the scrum-half in the aftermath.
"Ben Youngs was definitely man of the match," Jones said.
"I think he's put his hand up for a Lions jersey this afternoon."
Steve Borthwick is one man in the England camp who definitely will be on the Lions tour
Jones has already accidentally confirmed the presence of one member of the set-up on Gatland's tour of New Zealand next summer this week - England forwards coach Steve Borthwick will be one of the assistants.
Youngs may join him, having already won two Lions caps in 2013 in Australia.
But until recently he was still struggling to nail down his place in the England side, battling for supremacy with Danny Care.
An outstanding autumn for Youngs though has firmly established himself as Jones’ first choice at No 9.
"The real test is when you are not at your best and have not got your best players.
"To win big tournaments we have to do that.
"We just have to keep improving now.
"We won't get ahead of ourselves."