JONES CHEERED BY LATE BONUS SCORE
EDDIE Jones admitted England needed “Fergie time” to ensure their World Cup title quest began with a bonuspoint victory over Tonga. It took until the 77th minute to deliver the fourth try through Luke Cowan-Dickie that sealed a 35-3 win at the Sapporo Dome, but a laboured performance left plenty of areas for improvement.
Sir Alex Ferguson visited the squad in Bristol during the summer and Jones referred to the former Manchester United manager’s ability to inspire late goals from his players to illustrate England’s ability to claim the prize they sought.
“During the lead-up to the World Cup we had a number of coaches and specialists in. One person we were lucky enough to have in was Sir Alex Ferguson,” Jones said.
“One of the things his teams were renowned for was... what do they call it? Fergie time. Fergie time!
“And the message was be patient and that’s what I enjoyed about our team – there was no sign of panic and they kept on playing good rugby and the try came.
“It might have been easier if it had come a little bit earlier, but it came and that’s a good sign.
“We’re really pleased. We came here to get five points and we got five points.
“We’ve got no injuries and we know we can play better than today,” Jones said.
“Sometimes rugby is like that and the ball just doesn’t stick. We left a number of points out there. But I’m so pleased with the attitude of the players.
“That’s two Tests in a row that we haven’t conceded a try. We know we can be better and that’s the goal for the USA game (on Thursday).” ENGLAND: Tries: Tuilagi (2), George, Cowan-Dickie; Pens: Farrell (3); Cons: Farrell (3).
TONGA: Pen: Takulua.