Of Death’ challenge

asked about the splendid backdrop to the draw — where dignitaries clinked champagne glasses in the reception room at the Kyoto State Guest House — and the revered sites all around the ancient former capital, Jones did quip: “It’s me that needs to visit the temples, isn’t it, and pray really hard.”

Jones believes that England are on their way to his oft-stated aspiration of being credible contenders and winning the World Cup. In that regard, he is right not to be daunted by facing what he calls “the most improved side in world rugby” in France, and a Pumas side that has been remarkably productive at World Cups, reaching the knockout stages four times and the semifinals twice.

France coach Guy Noves agreed. “England were, with New Zealand, the scarecrow that everyone wanted to avoid.”

The precise fixture schedule will be drawn up in September, although it is clear that England could face New Zealand in the semifinals, if both win their groups and quarter-finals.

It was up to other coaches to put the measure of England’s predicament in perspective, with Warren Gatland, coach of the Wales side that triggered Stuart Lancaster’s downfall with their pool-stage win in 2015, commenting that his team’s 2019 pool with Australia (as in 2015) and Georgia, was “a bit better than in 2015 and we are reasonably happy with it”.

Ireland, too, had few complaints about the make-up of their pool, with Scotland and hosts Japan as the designated teams, along with two more qualifiers. Ireland play two tests against Japan next month. — Daily

Telegraph