Jones responds to Gatland remark

England head coach Eddie Jones has responded to Wales counterpart Warren Gatland suggesting they had already played their “World Cup final” in the win over New Zealand.

Gatland was speaking after his side lost 1916 to South Africa, a day after England beat the All Blacks 19-7 in the tournament’s first semi-final.

“You just send my best wishes to Warren to make sure he enjoys the third and fourth place play-off,” said Jones in a tongue-incheek comment at England’s news conference.

At the weekend, Gatland had added: “We have seen in previous World Cups that teams sometimes play their final in semi-finals and don’t always turn up for a final.

“So it will be interesting to see how England are next week and it could be a good game.” Meanwhile, Jones said Leicester wing Jonny May was recovering well from the dead leg he suffered in the 45th minute during Saturday’s victory and would be fit to face

South Africa at the weekend.

No. 10 Owen Farrell also picked up a dead leg in the first-half against New Zealand, leaving George Ford to take over the kicking duties.

Jones added: “Owen’s a bit sore but he’ll be fine. We’ve got a few others carrying bumps and bruises because it was a tough old game.”

Saracens halfback Ben Spencer is due to join up with the England squad as replacement for Willi Heinz, who suffered a hamstring injury against New Zealand.

Cup in Sydney and presented the trophy to New Zealand captain Richie McCaw at the last final at Twickenham in 2015.

His brother the Duke of Cambridge is a patron of the Welsh Rugby Union.

England qualified for their first final since 2007 with an emphatic 19-7 win over defending champions New Zealand.