JONES CHOPS FLOPS
SIX NATIONS All change for clash with Irish
EDDIE JONES has changed half his side for the battle with Six Nations champions Ireland tomorrow.
The England coach has axed halfbacks George Ford and Danny Care as well as forwards Dan Cole and Joe Launchbury following the 22-16 defeat in France which ended their title hopes last Saturday.
With Courtney Lawes and Nathan Hughes injured, and fit-again Dylan Hartley replacing Jamie George, it is a massive upheaval in personnel for the final game of the championship.
James Haskell returns on the openside flank, with Chris Robshaw switching to the blindside.
“Selection always has to be a reflection of performance because it is a merit-based process.
“So if performance isn’t as good, selection has to change,” said Jones (right).
“Sometimes you need to do something a little bit different.
“To beat any team, you’ve got to get on the front foot and I’ve picked a side I think can get on the front foot against Ireland.”
Jones has dispensed with the twin playmaker approach he has favoured with England and switched Owen Farrell to No.10. Farrell’s half-back partner at Twickenham will be a familiar one in Saracens teammate Richard Wigglesworth, who is recalled 10 years to the day since his last Six Nations start. There is another Saracens axis in the second row with lineout specialist George Kruis brought back to partner Maro Itoje, while Kyle Sinckler and Haskell will be entrusted with providing the ball-carrying firepower. Jones was forced to apologise on Wednesday after footage emerged of him making offensive comments against Wales and Ireland. Speaking publicly on the matter yesterday for the first time, Jones said: “I’ve apologised for the remarks. I sincerely mean that. I really don’t have anything else to say on the matter.” He is sure his “scummy Irish” jibe will have no influence on tomorrow’s result. “Ireland are preparing for a Grand Slam. They don’t need any extra motivation,” he added.