Eddie in warning to 2019 hopefuls
HONESTY: Eddie Jones EDDIE JONES has laid it on the line to his England players and told them: “You’re not fit enough to win a World Cup.”
The head coach also claimed there is still a “20 per cent” gap in skill and ability between world champions All Blacks and his own team.
However, the Aussie is confident he can get his men both up to speed and in shape during the next two years in the run-up to Japan 2019.
Jones wants England to up the physical stakes as they prepare to do battle with Argentina next Saturday, followed by Australia and then Samoa at Twickenham.
Despite winning 20 out of 21 Tests – all but one of those victories during his reign – Jones is NOT happy with the fitness and strength of his squad.
He said: “They’re not fit enough to win the World Cup – and we want to win the World Cup.
“You don’t have to be fit enough now to win the World Cup – you have to be fit enough to win the World Cup at 19:59 on November 2, 2019.
“With two years to go until the World Cup, now is the time to change things, get them right and be the way we want them to be.
“You won’t win a World Cup unless you are in the best physical shape possible to beat the very best teams around in a tournament.
“Rugby is played at such a fast rate now. International rugby is fast, furious and very physical. You must be able to cope with that for 80 minutes full on.
“We’re always looking for advice from outside on how to improve because there are always smarter people than us. We’re not afraid to go outside and get smarter people in.
“Dave Reddin, who helped during the 2003 World Cup, is a brilliant operator now with the FA. He’s someone we’ll consult.
“We’ve been to the University of Oregon and Jimmy Radcliffe, a brilliant strength and conditioning coach.”
Jones denies that winning the World Cup has become an obsession but admits his job depends on results and doing well come Japan 2019.
He said: “If we get to the World Cup and it’s a disaster, will anyone remember 19 out of 20 wins? Will anyone remember a Grand Slam? No!”