TODAY, BT MURRAYFIELD, 5.15PM
ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA Seething Eddie says wins beat entertainment TEAMS
ALEX DUNBAR EDDIE JONES has let rip at England’s critics ahead of today’s Ashes battle and demanded they get off his back.
After a week spent killing Australia with kindness, England’s head coach accused Wallaby counterpart Michael Cheika of showing a lack of respect by trying to influence the ref through the media.
But his real ire was directed at the enemy within, those complaining about England’s showing in last week’s win over Argentina.
Jones said: “I really struggle with the sort of commentary that I’m hearing about the team. We’ve had 21 games and won 20 of them.
“We’ve had one game that people have called flat and now the whole team has stalled. Give me a break!”
Jones was happy to label the Argentina game a “grindathon” but not for Sir Clive Woodward, among others, to criticise a lack of entertainment.
He said: “It’s like we’ve gone into reverse after one 80-minute performance.
“I don’t know what excites you guys but it’s definitely not winning consistently.
“What do I have to do this week, jump from the grandstand? I know, I’ve got a nice new pen. If I throw that it’ll create some great television. If the rugby doesn’t entertain you I’ll find a way to.”
During 2016, when ENGLAND: Watson; May, Joseph, Farrell, Daly; Ford, Youngs; M Vunipola, Hartley, Cole, Launchbury, Lawes, Robshaw, Underhill, Hughes. Replacements: George, Marler, Williams, Itoje, Simmonds, Care, Slade, Rokoduguni. AUSTRALIA: Beale; Koroibete, Kuridrani, Kerevi, Hodge; Foley, Genia; Sio, Polota-Nau, Kepu, Simmons, Coleman, Hanigan, Hooper, McMahon. Replacements: Moore, Robertson, Alaalatoa, Philip, McCalman, Timani, Phipps, Hunt, Speight. England beat Australia four times, Jones could do no wrong.
Times have changed. Cheika and his Wallabies no longer have a soft underbelly. Seven games unbeaten, including a win over the All Blacks, makes them dangerous.
This is a big day for England. Win and optimism will be restored. Lose and questions will follow the champions into their Six Nations title defence.
And there’s the contradiction. No one calls for entertainment when the Aussies are in town. It’s all about the result. Jones said: “Of course we want to get better. And when we have all our players back fit you’ll see the team roar.
“But until then it’s like that old Vauxhall Viva that used to stall all the time. You’ve got to get out and get someone to help you push it.”