Jones: Bring on the pressure in Perth showdown

Only Eddie Jones could have an eightmatch winning streak over the Wallabies and be questioned about his future as England rugby coach.

But ahead of the first test against Australia in Perth tonight, the Australia-born Jones says he enjoys the pressure and even thrives on it.

England arrived in Western

Australia last week after losses to Ireland, France and most recently a surprise 52-21 defeat by the Barbarians invitational side.

While admitting he was under pressure with the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France approaching, Jones said he wasn’t alone. He said that New Zealand coach Ian Foster would be feeling similar after a dip in the All Blacks’ results late last year.

“I think every international coach is under pressure,” Jones said. “I’m under pressure because we haven’t had results good enough. Our expectations are high, the media’s expectations are high, everyone’s expectations are high. That’s okay.

“Dave [Wallabies coach Dave Rennie] is under pressure, across the ditch [Ian Foster] they’re under pressure. That’s part of the job that we like and enjoy and accept the responsibilities of that pressure.”

Rennie has named lock Cadeyrn Neville in the starting side for the opener, making Neville the oldest Wallabies player in more than 20 years to make his test debut. The 33-year-old Neville will walk out on to the field 10 years after he was called into the squad without earning a cap.

Rennie also named prop David

Porecki to make his test debut. Jones has gone with flanker Courtney Lawes as the England captain despite Owen Farrell’s return. Named at secondfive, Farrell was tipped to return from injury as skipper but Jones stayed with Lawes, who led the team through the Six Nations.

It’s the first time since 2018 Farrell has been overlooked as captain.