England coach Eddie Jones has kicked off Rugby World Cup semi final week by lavishing praise on the All Blacks.

Jones has told UK media New Zealand is the greatest team in sport, with a great coach and captain.

"They're a great side, we know that. Just look at their record, they've got a 90 per cent winning record since the last World Cup."

He says that they've got a good leadership team, and if you give them the sort of ball they want, they are hard to defend against.

"But like any team, there are areas you can get at, and our job this week is to find those areas and be able to execute it."

Steve Hansen has also praised his counterpart, praising Jones' record in guiding Japan to their first World Cup upset over the Springboks in Brighton four years ago before he shifted to England and mentored them to their 18-match unbeaten run.

Asked why he respects Jones, Hansen said: "His passion, he loves the game. He's got a work ethic second to none – he put himself in hospital when he was here he worked that hard. Anyone who loves the game will get my support.

"He's done a fantastic job with England. They've got a world record for most wins in test rugby along with ourselves. They've got a harder edge about them. He's been part of a winning World Cup team with South Africa, he's had the disappointment of losing to England when he was coaching Australia but to get to the final is being successful anyway, even if you don't win it.

"He's got to the ability to understand what's coming and he'll share those with his coaching and playing group."