Eales cheers on enemy

Cup-winning skipper backs Eddie’s England to take silverware

WALLABIES legend John Eales knows what it takes to raise the William Webb-Ellis trophy.

He’s done it twice, once as captain, and sees those same ingredients for success in Eddie Jones’ England side ahead of tonight’s World Cup final with South Africa.

“I’ve been watching England’s trajectory over the last couple of years and they’ll be incredibly difficult to beat,”

Eales told the Bulletin.

“They’ll be the most comprehensively prepared team out there.

“South Africa have the ingredients to disrupt a team but they’ll have to play well because England clearly have the skill level, physicality, composure in demeanour.

“They don’t get flustered, they take control and are very well-organised.

“They’d be the ones you’d bet on.” The Rugby Australia board member was vocal in his support of Jones, who comes off contract with England in 2022.

“My heart is behind the Australian coach,” he said.

“He’s done some great things as a coach in Australia, in Japan and in England.

“This will be a great moment for him, and for a guy so dedicated to rugby, this will be a wonderful achievement for him.”

Durban-born Wallabies flanker Liam Wright fears England may have played their game of the tournament a week early in defeating New Zealand in an epic semi-final stoush.

“South Africa haven’t been so impressive, but it felt like they knew how to play their game and will be composed in the big game,” Wright said.

“I don’t think they’ll play with much ball in hand, just keep sending it back with Faf (du Klerk)’s box kicks and trust their defence and massive forwards to swallow them.”

Wallabies fullback Tom Banks said although he wanted South Africa to win, he believed England would be too strong in the final.