Jones planning a ‘beer and beef break’ in Miyazaki for England
>> TOKYO: England are set for plenty of beef and a “few beers” when they return to Miyazaki after their World Cup pool decider against France was cancelled due to Typhoon Hagibis.
Both England and France were already through to the quarterfinals, with Jones’ men now on course to face his native Australia in Oita on Oct 19.
England held a pre-tournament training camp in Miyazaki, well away from the projected path of Hagibis, which is set to strike the Tokyo area today, and Jones was happy to return there for a few more days.
“We love Miyazaki mate, we love Miyazaki beef,” Jones told reporters before England left their Tokyo hotel.
“We’ve got a special consignment. We’ve got 80kg coming on Saturday night.
“Billy [Vunipola] is allowed his beef again.”
He had quipped that the only thing wrong with the No.8 after coming off at half-time against Argentina was that he had eaten too much beef.
It since emerged that Vunipola had an ankle injury requiring a scan.
“We’ll do a bit of light training Friday, have a good hit out Saturday, have some beef Saturday night, a few beers, and get ready for the week ahead.”
England’s additional recovery time should allow the likes of Vunipola, Jack Nowell and Joe Marler to be available, with Jones dismissing fears not playing France would lead to a lack of match sharpness for his team.
“We have a fairly exceptional record in two-week preparations,” he said.
“Of course, everyone is disap– pointed we are not playing France... but we don’t control the situation.
“Our players have got this opportunity now to build the tank up and empty it on Saturday week against whoever we are playing.”
New Zealand’s game against Italy today has also been called off on safety grounds because of Hagibis, with Scotland’s key match against Japan in Yokohama tomorrow also in the balance.
Former Japan coach Jones said he had “probably been here for 30 typhoons”, adding: “This one’s supposed to be a big typhoon, so I don’t see any other option that the organisers had. We think it’s the right decision.”