Bench bails out ‘awful’ England
WE DIDN’T PLAY WELL, I TAKE FULL REPONSIBILITY French played their hearts out but fell just short.
England coach Eddie Jones promised to do a better job after his “awful” Grand Slam champions launched the defence of their Six Nations title with a scrappy 19-16 win over France at Twickenham.
France had much the better of the play but England, yet to lose under Australian boss Jones, were able to grind out an “ugly” win as they secured a national record 15th consecutive Test victory.
The visitors were 16-12 up on the hour when replacement prop Rabah Slimani went over for a try France had long threatened.
But in the end it was England’s bench strength that proved decisive, with replacement back Ben Te’o’s try nine minutes from time giving England a lead extended by Owen Farrell’s conversion.
“It is always good to win when you do not play well, and we did not play well,” Jones said. “I take full responsibility.”
The former Australia and Japan coach added: “I thought we were awful, but I thought we were always going to win the game and that is what I like about these boys. They have got a never-saydie attitude.”
Jones sent on several replacements after Slimani’s try, with back-rower James Haskell, returning after a broken toe, and Auckland-born Te’o, whose maiden Test try came just moments after he took the field, making the biggest impact.
“The bench definitely made a difference,” Jones said. “Haskell, for a guy that has played 35 minutes and 35 seconds this year was brilliant, and Ben Te’o did really well for us, too.”
As for France, Jones said: “I think they are selecting right, they’ve got a big physical team and they are starting to understand how to harness modern French flair.”
Next up for England is a February 11 clash in Cardiff against Wales. – AFP