Barbaric loss not cause for concern

EDDIE Jones played down the significance of a record 52-21 rout by the 14-man Barbarians even though it sent England crashing to the heaviest defeat of his reign.

England fell to a third successive loss as Fabien Galthie’s side amassed eight tries at Twickenham, despite having Will Skelton sent off in the 38th minute for a dangerous challenge.

It was the first time the Barbarians had received a red card, yet their battalion of French stars made light work of opposition who were using the non-cap international to prepare for next month’s threeTest tour of Australia.

“We approached the game in a particular strategic way. We wanted to try to play a bit differently, extend ourselves and give the young guys an opportunity show their ability, particularly with the ball,” Jones ( pictured) said. “But we were beaten pretty badly at the breakdown, so it’s a good reminder of how much work we have to do before Australia. From that point of view I’m really pleased with what we did.

“I’m not pleased with how we performed. I’m pleased with the intent of what we tried to do and it’s great preparation for Australia. But obviously not happy with the result.” He added: “There’s a contextual situation here. I know you’re struggling to understand it, but we’re trying to build a new team, play a different way, a style that suits that players and there are going to be some ups and downs.

“I don’t know, if we would have played a normal England game, what the score would have been but that’s not what we wanted out of the game.”

Jones names his squad for Australia today with uncertainty hanging over Alex Dombrandt, who was a late withdrawal due to a knee injury.

England’s head coach said that Dombrandt was due to see a specialist but his prospects appear grim and with Billy Vunipola (concussion) and Sam Simmonds (hip) definitively ruled out, a crisis is developing at number eight. Newcastle’s Callum Chick has been training with the England squad but was not in yesterday’s matchday 23.

Jones suggested Jonny May, Joe Cokanasiga and Jonny Hill played their way into the touring party after lengthy injury absences, and hinted Jack Walker and Tommy Freeman had done enough to be selected.