Let’s get physical, Jones urges England

Twickenham – Eddie Jones (right) has urged England to “physically dominate” Australia when the old rivals contest the Cook Cup today.

Recent Anglo-Australian fixtures have been portrayed as clashes between the power of England’s pack and the skill of Australia’s backs.

But Australia, bidding to end a run of four straight defeats by England, are desperate to show their forwards are no pushover.

Meanwhile Jones acknowledged that in centres Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kuridrani, Australia have backs who can pack a punch while also boasting plenty of ball-playing talent.

Australia, who recently beat world champions New Zealand, come into today’s match on the back of an impressive 29-21 win over Wales in Cardiff last weekend.

Under Jones, England have emerged as serious challengers for the All Blacks’ global title but he said that, on current form, Australia were the team to beat.

“We’re playing against the best team in the world team at the moment. They’ve beaten New Zealand and had two draws with South Africa, beaten Argentina and beaten quite an impressive Wales side at the weekend, so they’re doing well.”

Jones, Australia’s coach when they lost the 2003 World Cup final to England in Sydney, added: “We want to physically dominate them. Their backs are as big as their forwards and we’ve got to get stuck into them early.” –