By Mark Orlovac

Ashton rejoined the England coaching set-up in the summer

Full-back Josh Lewsey has hailed the influence of backs coach Brian Ashton on the England side, calling him the "Yoda of English rugby".

Lewsey says Ashton has already made a difference since taking over from former sevens coach Joe Lydon.

"He improves the standard of English rugby with a different mind-set that is not rocket science or based on sevens.

"It is based on playing heads-up rugby and challenging your team to play at the best of your ability."

Ashton rejoined the England set-up this summer as part of the Rugby Football Union's shake-up of the coaching team, which came after a disappointing finish in this year's Six Nations.

John Wells has a massive reputation in the Premiership with his success at Leicester and is a very respected guy, as is Mike Ford Josh Lewsey

"Hopefully people will look back in a few years' time and celebrate his involvement and influence," said Lewsey, who is on the bench for Saturday's game against Argentina.

"That influence will hopefully not be just on the international side but also felt at club level.

"He really tries to push the boundaries of what players are capable of and he underpins that with the basics and execution, which is sometimes overlooked.

"I already consider him to be the Yoda of English rugby."

Lewsey added that Ashton and fellow new additions John Wells (forwards coach) and Mike Ford (defence coach) form a formidable coaching team.

"John Wells has a massive reputation in the Premiership with his success at Leicester and is a very respected guy, as is Mike Ford," said Lewsey.

"With the three of them, not only do you have technically gifted coaches but you also have approachable guys.

"That counts for a lot in terms of team spirit and getting the best out of the players.