ENGLAND THROW DOWN GAUNTLET

EDDIE JONES lit the fuse on an explosive Six Nations decider by warning Wales that England are heading their way to set the record straight.

Jones (above) saw his side give France six of the best at Twickenham. He then dusted down comments made by Warren Gatland last year and used them as ammunition.

Gatland had said Wales and England were “poles apart” after Wales leapfrogged Jones’ slumping side in the world rankings.

“If I remember the comments, we weren’t doing so well and the gap between us was massive,” he said.

“Let’s see how big the gap is next week.” Jones then poked fun at Wales, who equalled a national record by beating Italy to win their 11th successive match.

“We’re playing the greatest Welsh side ever,” he said, well aware Wales had legendary teams in the Seventies.

“That’s what we are hearing, we’ll take it at face value. We’ll have to be at our absolute best!”

Gatland admitted the Dragons would have to improve on a mediocre display in Rome or be “embarrassed” by England.

“A lot of people will write us off, which is a good position to be in,” he added. “Hopefully we’ll go under the radar.”

England hat-trick hero Jonny May then warned: “We are a more mature team than we were 12 months ago. We have learnt a lot and have improved a lot.”