Eddie vows brutal approach
Eddie Jones wants his Rugby World Cup runners-up England to give France’s young side a lesson in ‘‘absolute brutality’’ when they meet in their Six Nations opener tomorrow.
Some French media were shocked by the provocative and violent choice of words. But coach Jones suggested any offended French should knock on someone else’s door for an apology.
‘‘Well, someone asked me how we were going to play. What did you want me to say? ‘We’re going to have a cup of tea?’’’ Jones said. ‘‘It’s nicknamed Le Crunch, isn’t it? There’s a reason for that. Great rivalry, historical rivalry. It’s a battle for supremacy so we’re looking forward to it. I’m sure France are as well.’’
Continuing his joust with a French reporter’s questioning over using the word ‘‘brutality’’, Jones added: ‘‘I’m just stating the fact of how we want to play rugby, and that’s what rugby’s about. It has been ever since I watched the game and it will be as long as I watch the game.’’ A youthful France side has been duly warned.
Coach Fabian Galthie’s squad features four uncapped players – two in the side and two in the reserves – and six others with three caps or less. Only four players have reached 30 caps, and centre Gael Fickou is the only one to have 50.
Lock Bernard Le Roux is the only player over the age of 27, with nine of them 23 or younger.
In contrast, there are 675 caps shared among England’s starting 15, with halfback Ben Youngs set to play his 96th test and backrower Courtney Lawes earning his 82nd.
England will be hunting France down at Stade de France.
‘‘It’s a physical, confrontational game and your aim is to be brutal on the gain line,’’ Jones said. ‘‘You either win or lose on the gain line.’’
Galthie was happy to return fire.
‘‘You should expect a big presence on our part, total commitment, players who are going to push their limits as far as possible,’’ he said. ‘‘A pack which is going to give everything, ferocious phases of battle, ferocious collisions and tackles, a team which never gives in.’’
Galthie is rebuilding them for the 2023 World Cup they are staging, and needs time to mould them to his liking. He’s also stressed continuity, which gives new caps Anthony Bouthier at fullback and Mohamed Haouas at prop some confidence.
England, however, are far more advanced. After reaching the World Cup final three months ago, they are the favourites, know it, and want to show it.
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