England
Twickenham's unbelievable energy' key to World Cup success - Lancaster
ESPN Staff
September 18, 2014
England fans pour into Twickenham during the 2014 Six Nations © PA Photos
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Stuart Lancaster has said the "unbelievable energy" of the Twickenham crowd can help his team to victory at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

With the tournament exactly a year away, Lancaster said that "English support at its best is better than anyone's in the world". Crucially, if England make it the final they are likely to only have to play one game away from Twickenham, their last pool match when they will face the winners of the Russia-Uruguay play-off.

"The fans create an unbelievable energy," he said. "They help the team, they carry the team and the best games at Twickenham have been influenced without a doubt by the fans. The players feel it massively. The fans feel they are supporting a team that is young and ambitious, that wants to have a go, and the players respond likewise. It is a virtuous circle."

Lancaster said connection with the fans and with history was vital in building a solid team ethos.

"To win top games, ultimately you need motivation, to feel why playing for this team is special. The motivation is not a little part of the jigsaw. It's a big, big part of the jigsaw. It is the difference sometimes between winning and losing.

"The feeling inside the changing room is incredibly powerful. Look at the history and heritage that is on the walls. As a player sat here you know it is a unique place to be. It is an unbelievable feeling.

"You have to have character to be an England player. A strong sense of purpose, a level of commitment that is over and above what most people would expect, a desire to never take a backwards step, and a resilience that means that we are a very difficult team to beat.

"No stone will be left unturned. The sense of the country behind the team is a very powerful motivator. We will make sure that we are ready to deliver."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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