Jones targeting clean sweep in Sydney

2:38 PM GMT

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  Tom HamiltonRugby Editor

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  • Joined ESPN in 2011
  • Grew up in Bath but has New Zealand roots
  • Covered England for the past two seasons, including their tour to New Zealand
  • Was ESPN's man on the ground for the 2013 British & Irish Lions series

AAMI PARK, Melbourne -- Eddie Jones praised England's defensive effort in the wake of their series-clinching 23-7 win over Australia in Melbourne and is targeting the clean sweep with victory next week.

Just minutes after England had dispatched Australia for the second week running, Jones turned attention to the final Test in Sydney and the message on field at the end of the match in Melbourne was to complete the job in a week's time.

"We're very pleased with the victory," Jones said. "That was a real, tough Test match -- a proper Test match. We didn't have much possession so we had to defend a lot. Our defence was outstanding and has really done a terrific job this week in preparing the team.

"But we want to be the best team in the world. And we want to win the series 3-0. If the All Blacks were in this situation now, what would they be thinking?

"That doesn't mean we can't change the team, but they'd be thinking 3-0. They beat Wales and will now be thinking 3-0. If we want to be the best team in the world, we have to think 3-0. Australia will come back because they're a well-coached, driven team, so we're anticipating a feisty encounter in Sydney."

Jones says some of England's contingent were suffering with "bumps and bruises" after a fiercely physical Test in Melbourne where they were forced to defend for lengthy periods in the match. He was full of praise for the work Paul Gustard, defence coach, has done in that area and described their tactic in Melbourne as "rope-a-dope".

"That was the sort of game we had to play," Jones added. "We had to be tactically flexible in Test rugby and that's why I'm so pleased for the team. We got an opportunity to score a try and we took it. That's the sign of a good side."

The win had added significance for Chris Robshaw as it was his 50th cap. He was crowned Man of the Match for an all-court display and Jones praised his performance.

"He does all the unseen stuff in the game, makes good tackles, keeps driving forwards, cleans out," Jones said. "And that's what he's done for us, game after game for eight Tests in a row since he lost the captaincy.

"It was difficult when he lost the captaincy. It wasn't a pleasant experience, but he's bounced back really well and we're all delighted for him tonight."

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Jones targeting clean sweep in Sydney