Eddie Jones

The Lions face a daunting task as they take on the world champions on their own soil across June and July, having suffered a whitewash on their last visit.

Jones claims Wales boss Gatland's approach will be too rigid to get the better of the All Blacks, who are heavy favourites to triumph.

"I think it's going to be very tough for them [the Lions]," Jones told The Telegraph.

"They picked their squad to play a certain style based on the influence of Wales.

Hansen offered his congratulations to Jones after England equalled the All Blacks' record of 18 consecutive victories for a tier-one nation by battering Scotland 61-21 in the Six Nations on Saturday.

The record will be England's alone if they can beat Ireland in Dublin this weekend, which would also see them clinch back-to-back Grand Slams.

Rather than be disappointed that New Zealand, whose own run ended against Ireland in November, may no longer have the accolade Hansen welcomed the competition.

Jones was livid after a question from former Wallabies flanker Stephen Hoiles following his side's pulsating 39-28 victory in Brisbane on Saturday, only the fourth time England had won on Australian soil.

Karne Hesketh crossed in the final minute to win the World Cup Pool B encounter in Brighton on Saturday.

The Brave Blossoms face Scotland on Wednesday in their second match.

"We have two objectives: reach the quarter-finals and be team of the tournament," said Jones.

"With that in mind we have made a successful start. We did not come here to be one-hit wonders."

Japan, who were given a guard of honour as they left their Brighton hotel in the wake of their win over the Springboks, have had just four days to prepare for Wednesday's match.