COOL IT, EDDIE!
Jones: We will get violent with France Sir Clive: Stop using Stone Age language
EDDIE JONES came under fire yesterday after saying ‘France can expect absolute brutality from England’ in their Six Nations opener in Paris tomorrow.
World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodward condemned the England coach for his aggressive comments.
Writing in today’s Sportsmail, Sir Clive described Jones’s inflammatory remarks as ‘ utter nonsense’ and went further by saying: ‘This is straight from rugby’s Stone Age, an absolutely meaningless but clearly deliberate soundbite that will look even more ill- chosen if, heaven forbid, somebody gets badly injured.
‘I have no idea why Jones is taking this line or being allowed to take this line which he has been peddling for most of the week.’
Jones reiterated yesterday that England are ready for a ‘violent’ confrontation with France. He was dismissive when told the French have been shocked by his declaration that England will target Fabien Galthie’s youthful side with a brutal onslaught.
In response, Jones delivered a mock apology, but refused to tone down his
rhetoric about the ferocity of the physical contest ahead.
‘England versus France is nicknamed Le Crunch and there’s a reason for that — it’s a great rivalry and a historical rivalry,’ he said. ‘It’s a battle for supremacy. We’re looking forward to it and I’m sure France are as well.’
When informed that his talk of brutality had provoked shock in these parts, Jones added: ‘There’s nothing much I can control about that, I’m just saying how I want us to play rugby.
‘It’s what rugby is about and has been since I’ve ever watched the game and it will be as long as I watch the game.
‘It’s a physical, confrontational game and your aim is to be brutal on the gainline.
‘Someone asked me how we were going to play —what do you want me to say, that we’re going to have a cup of tea?’
Jones became agitated when he was told that the word ‘ brutal’ conveyed a sense of violence being inflicted.
He said: ‘Well, that wasn’t the intention — you should translate it in a better way — but the game is violent isn’t it? You make a choice to play the game.
‘It’s a brutal, physically aggressive game. We saw in the World Cup final how important aggression is. It’s going to be the same here. So I apologise if it’s been interpreted in the wrong way. It’s a tough game and we intend to play tough.
‘French teams have never have been (reluctant to play a brutal game) and never will be. So we’re expecting that.’
England have evidently been gearing up for a ferocious battle during their training camp in Portugal, as Lewis Ludlam appeared in front of the media yesterday sporting an angry black eye.
Asked what happened, the Northampton flanker joked: ‘The Crunch. It’s already started, as you can see!
‘Even the pigeons are hostile here, giving me a black eye. So it’s kicking off already. You should see the pigeon. The pigeon is a mess.’
Ludlam insisted the blow will not have an impact on his vision if he comes off the bench tomorrow, adding: ‘I can open my eye. I am confident it will be all good for the game.’
France have no intention of yielding to English intimidation and head coach Fabien Galthie said: ‘Wait for a big presence from our side, a complete commitment — for players who push their limits as far as possible, for a forward who will give everything, for phases of fierce fighting, for ferocious tackles and collisions, for a team who will never surrender.’