NZ ‘greatest rugby nation’ – Eddie Jones

England coach Eddie Jones says New Zealand is the ‘‘greatest rugby nation’’ and the spiritual home’’ of the sport.

Jones revealed his ‘‘deep respect’’ for New Zealand rugby in his recently published autobiography, My Life and Rugby.

‘‘Usually, they are the only country that can produce a winning team year after year because the whole nation is willing on the All Blacks,’’ Jones wrote.

‘‘All their resources are poured into the objective of improving the national team. That priority has now been copied by most tier-one nations.’’

Jones said the New Zealand public’s expectation of the All Blacks was ‘‘off the charts’’.

‘‘The national mood swings with the performance of the All Blacks. For me, it is the world’s greatest rugby nation. I know they always get stuck into me and I always get stuck into them, but beneath the banter is a deep and mutual respect for the game and its values.

‘‘New Zealand is the spiritual home of rugby.’’

Jones admired the All Blacks’ approach to team selection and their willingness to make bold calls.

‘‘Selection is a key lever in building teams. You are always looking to build depth and each year you want to bring in two or three new guys.

‘‘If you look at the All Blacks, it’s striking how they continue to evolve. Large parts of the New Zealand team are stable but there is always movement. The way they treat wingers is a good example. There is a constant rotation of talent.’’

The All Blacks introduced new test wings George Bridge and Sevu Reece in World Cup year, preferring them to the more established Ben Smith and Rieko Ioane.