England chief Eddie Jones keen to ‘light up’ Aussies
Eddie Jones insists England are inspired to follow the example set by an epic State of Origin decider by putting on a display against Australia on Saturday that will ‘light rugby up’.
Jones has made three changes for the decisive third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, choosing Danny Care instead of Jack van Poortv lie ta t scrum-half and starting lock Ollie Chessum and flanker Lewis Ludlam in place of the injured Maro Itoje and Sam Underhill.
All of England’ s touring party watched Queensland edge New South Wales in a brutal but thrilling State of Origin clash that left a major impression. “It is great for rugby that we have a de cider. We saw how big the decider was in State of Origin and how it has captivated fans,” Jones said.
“We want to put on a show of a similar ilk against Australia, a really good tough game of rugby played at a historic ground and light rugby up a bit.
“It’s whether we can find that right balance of aggression and control and being fierce and being calm.”
England will play at the SC G for only the second time – they lost 16-9 in 1975 – in what is likely to be the last Test staged at the birth place of the Wallabies.
Jones grew up in nearby Randwick and he said: “This is the chance for us to even the ledger at the famous old ground. I’ve got great memories watching Souths play and watching many an Ashes Test series there,” Jones said.
“I was there when John Snow knocked out Terry Jenner and I was watching when Ian Chap pell st rode on the first time as Australia captain.
“That’s how we want to play on Saturday, like Ian Chappell did–walk onto the field, own it and play with plenty of purpose and plenty of energy.”