The Northampton Saints lock backed that performance up with his displays in the autumn campaign, appearing in all four clashes which featured another victory against the Wallabies and Samoa.

But despite his rise to prominence Lawes is adamant his feet are firmly on the ground.

“I’m not one of those of players that’ll get ahead of themselves,” insisted Lawes.

“Even though I’m playing pretty well now I know I’ve got a long way to go, I’m still nowhere near where I could be and I just want to get there as quick as possible.

“A bit of youth and flair has come into the team and it’s good that we’ve got a young side now. It means that we can be together for a while and build on what we’re doing now.”