Series win is not enough for Jones
THERE was no let-up in Eddie Jones’ drive for improvement in the aftermath of England’s series win in Argentina.
Jones, who has put his squad through some relentless training sessions in South America, won the two-Test series despite having 30 players injured or on Lions duty. But he was still not satisfied.
In the land of the giant steak, Jones’ beef was that some of the youngsters – he capped 11 debutants on tour – have had things too good too early and have no appetite for hard work.
Jones has long claimed that England players have it too easy and the academy generation are mollycoddled. So he gave them a quick kick up the rear as they prepared to head home.
He felt his team should have put the Pumas to the sword earlier, with the hosts – ranked ninth in the world to England’s second before the series – getting too close for comfort last week, when England won 38-34, and in Saturday’s victory.
“I think we have got good depth but also I think the younger players are not hungry enough,” said Jones. “Having had this experience here will make them hungry.
“They find it too easy. They play in the Under-20s, they become World Cup champions and they get a contract straight
ARGENTINA
away. That doesn’t happen in any other country in the world.
“They have changed with us, but it is not about when they are with us, it is when they are by themselves.”
Despite Jones’ harsh words, flanker Sam Underhill, 20, and lock Charlie Ewels, 21, were two youngsters who impressed on Saturday, along with centre Piers Francis, 26, and prop Harry Williams 25.
The Pumas are in England’s pool at the 2019 World Cup and the teams meet again in the autumn, when Jones will have his big dogs back.
His stated aim is for England to be No1 in the world by the time of the tournament in Japan. But Jones fears his side are vulnerable, despite having lost just once – to Ireland – in 20 Tests since he took over.
He said: “To beat Argentina at the World Cup we are going to have to improve. We are not bulletproof at the moment and to win at the World Cup you need to be bulletproof. They have edged us in certain departments. We got out of it here and in the first game we got out of jail a bit.
“We are too close to Argentina – at the World Cup we need a gap.
“We want to go through the next phase undefeated – that is the next challenge. If we do that, we go to the World Cup as No1. And if you go to the World Cup as No1, you have reasons to be confident.”
It was stalwarts Chris Robshaw and Mike Brown who led England home in Santa Fe, with George Ford’s 74thminute drop-goal sealing the deal to cap an outstanding series for the fly-half.
Captain Dylan Hartley said: “The young guys brought bags of enthusiasm and energy and the older guys brought that leadership. George Ford and Mike Brown epitomised that.
“George has grown in stature, his experience has been invaluable.”
Ford and Joe Launchbury missed out on a Lions call-up by being in Argentina instead of closer to New Zealand, a decision that has attracted derision.
“They’ve picked guys that are local,” said Hartley. “I can’t say whether it’s right or wrong. I’ve got an opinion but it’s probably best not to say.”
The young players must be hungry
ARGENTINA – Tries: Cons: Pens: ENGLAND – Tries: Cons: DG: Pens: