KLOPPY BOOK STUFF
Kop analytics put Jones on track for success
EDDIE JONES tapped into the secret of Jurgen Klopp’s success with Liverpool to put England firmly in the Nations Cup driving seat.
Ireland left Twickenham soundly beaten despite having most of the ball and almost all the territory.
The stats revealed an extraordinary defensive display by England, who made 246 tackles to Ireland’s 73.
Back- row trio Tom Curry, Sam Underhill and Billy Vunipola got through more than the opposition put together and every starting England forward racked up at least 15.
Yet it was the unmapped work which left Jones buzzing and the Australian revealed the inspiration for it had been provided by the kings of English football – Liverpool.
He said: “I’ve been keeping busy in the bubble, reading Believe Us, which is the story of Liverpool and talks about how they are using data analytics.
“Jurgen is a bit hard to get to and doesn’t speak to a lowly rugby coach like me but we had a great meeting with his analyst, Ian Graham.
“Mako Vunipola may make 20 tackles and carry the ball three times, but that means for 79 minutes and 45 seconds he is not with the ball.
“Yet his movement off it is crucial to what we do.”
Jones ( above) admits his side are in “nursery school” compared to Liverpool, who are “doing their PHD at Oxford”.
And there is still room to learn as England’s inability to add to an 18- point lead in the final half hour showed.
Maro Itoje admitted they must be more clinical this weekend against Wales.
“Wales are one of the proudest nations around so we know the intensity they are going to bring,” he said. “We need to make sure we are ready.’”