Jones: Our slump is down to selfishness and complacency

Coach warns of culture affecting England squad Eight uncapped players included for South Africa

Eddie Jones has revealed that cracks have appeared in his England squad, admitting his side’s “complacency” about unity has contributed directly to their disastrous slump in form.

Jones, who yesterday included Danny Cipriani and eight uncapped players in his 34-man squad to tour South Africa, also voiced his belief that English sportsmen were more prone to “selfishness” as he attempts to lift his side after three successive defeats consigned them to their worst Six Nations finish.

The Australian clearly believes individuals avoided their responsibilities as England finished fifth in the Six Nations after defeats by Scotland, France and Ireland, and his words serve as a clear warning ahead of a daunting tour.

Jones would not identify the culprits but made it clear that a similar lapse in standards would not be tolerated, despite a national culture he believes makes players more prone to put themselves first.

“It [England’s] is a sporting environment here that is based around selfishness, about individual gain,” said Jones, who has worked in Australia, Japan and South Africa, as well as England. “We are constantly battling it. We got complacent about unity without a doubt [in the Six Nations]. It always happens. Whenever you’re going well, every- one’s together at the front of the bus, everyone’s got their shirt off, everyone’s singing the song.

“When you lose, there are always one or two who get up the back and say, ‘Well, it’s not my fault as I’ve done my job and the other blokes need to do it better’. It is definitely a key issue. Just look at the commercial opportunities here compared to other countries.

“They are much greater. We have been on top of it. Maybe we are not on top of it now. It is a constant issue for us.”

Jones also issued a warning to Cipriani, whom he has rewarded after a surge of form in the second half of the season, telling the Wasp that “there is always a plane back from Johannesburg” if he steps out of line. Despite that comment, there are no caveats to his selection,

‘If you’re going well they are together. Lose and they will say, ‘It’s not my fault, I’ve done my job’’

Jones insisting that if all goes well then Cipriani is in line to have a crack at selection for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, with a slot at full-back also a possible option.

Jones did not alert the 30-yearold to his inclusion, nor has he discussed the player’s temperament with him, even though previous England coaches found cause to overlook him on a regular basis.

“If he’s a good character, he could be in the team for a long time,” said Jones. “If he’s a bad character, there’s always a plane back from Johannesburg. I’m convinced there is something he can offer because he’s made changes to his game, and his character will come through. He better have good questions. If they are terrible questions then it’s not a good idea [to challenge me].

“The baggage doesn’t worry me. It’s how he behaves in front of me. It’s how he comes in, how he reacts and how he communicates with other players, how he responds to coaching, how he’s able to understand how we want to play and fit into that mould. We have to give him flexibility, though, to display his talent. He’s definitely got a creative talent and we don’t want to annul that but he has to understand that there is a team and he has to play within that team.”

This is the most inexperienced squad of his tenure, with the exception of the tour to Argentina when he was shorn of his Lions. He has included the likes of Brad Shields – much to the annoyance of the New Zealand Rugby Union – Cameron Redpath and Nathan Earle.

Jones expressed his belief that Owen Farrell would emerge as a fine captain in the absence of Dylan Hartley, who is recovering from concussion. Jones puts much of England’s lengthy spell of success – 22 wins from 23 games before their recent struggles – down to the tight-knit brotherhood fostered by Hartley, and he hopes Farrell will assume the mantle.

“Dylan has been absolutely outstanding at getting the team to work together,” said Jones. “Owen did a good job for us in the Six Nations. He is a strong guy, respected by the players. It will take him time. No young captain starts out well. It’s about hard yards. The first bit is tough and he will have to go through that. Experience is the greatest teacher of all.”

Jones acknowledged that selection was a balancing act, with some who need a rest, such as prop Dan Cole, scrum-halves Danny Care and Richard Wigglesworth, and flanker James Haskell.

However, the compelling need to perform on the final tour before the World Cup in Japan means that the likes of prop Mako Vunipola and lock Maro Itoje are needed, particularly with Courtney Lawes and George Kruis injured.

There are three young back-rowers in Tom Curry, Ben Earl and Jack Willis as England continue their search for a dominant breakdown No 7. Shields’s inclusion means there is no place for Exeter talisman Don Armand. Billy Vunipola is selected but may not be fit to tour after recently recovering from a broken arm.

Jones backs his judgment, despite what critics might say. “Life is full of contradictions,” said Jones. “Three games ago I was the best thing that ever happened to English rugby and now I am the worst.”