If refs ensure quick ruck ball we can run, not kick says Jones

EDDIE Jones has called on referees to maintain their vigilance at rucks and ensure there is a fair contest for possession that allows an attacking team to generate quick ball while also rewarding turnovers.

England’s head coach said he believed that the trend in the game was moving away from the kicking strategy that blighted last year’s Autumn Nations Cup to one in which there was a greater balance between keeping the ball in hand but warned that would change if referees allowed defenders to slow down the release of the ball at rucks.

“Everyone looks at trends in the game,” said Jones. “We all have data analytics teams and they can tell you 99.9 per cent of

teams who are going to win based on metrics which we use to help with our selection.

“Each domestic competition tends to have a cultural nuance that make them a bit different, but trends are generally the same. There is a balancing out between kicking and running metres in how you win games. I am not saying the changes favour keeping the ball in hand, but teams now do not have to kick more than the opposition to win: you can run more than them to win.

“The referees have been hard on tacklers who do not roll away and are policing to a large extent the second man releasing so we are seeing a lot more quick ball. That means defences come under pressure and the attacking part of the game is able to grow.”

“You can still win games through kicking, but you have a higher opportunity to win by running if you are allowed to get quick ruck ball. It is creating a better game of rugby which is good. The concern is that the referees stop being diligent in that area.

“They have to become like policemen. In some countries, if you do not go over a Zebra crossing properly, you get fined, like in Singapore. People don’t do it there. They follow the instructions. In other countries, there is more latitude.

“We have to make sure referees are diligent in the rucks, looking at both the defensive side and the attacking side in keeping a contest for the ball. I saw a couple of games on the weekend when referees were not diligent when it came to players flopping on the ball.”

England play three matches next month at Twickenham, against Tonga, Australia and South Africa. The matches will be controlled by Craig Evans, Jacob Peyper and Andrew Brace respectively.

“What you are looking for at the breakdown is that if you are good in attack, you can win quick ball and if you are strong in defence you get to win a turnover,” said Jones. “A fascinating part of the game is that every time we have it good, we get slack. And the game morphs into a slower version of itself. We might be at the peak of the game at the moment. Who knows? You had better enjoy it.”

England have won their last seven matches against Australia, all since Jones took charge after the 2015 World Cup when Australia eliminated the hosts from the tournament with a 33-13 victory at Twickenham, and only one has been by a singlefigure margin, 44-40 in Sydney in 2016.

The Wallabies won a close summer series against France and recovered from twice losing against New Zealand at Eden Park and again in Perth to finish second in the Rugby Championship after doubling South Africa and Argentina.

“I think Australia selected really well,” said Jones. “They have gone for a large, physically imposing team with high motivation. Bringing back Quade Cooper (whose release for the European tour has yet to be confirmed by his Japanese club Kintetsu Liners) and Samu Kerevi has added a calm head at 10 and power at 12 so they can play off the front foot.

“They have been quite impressive and they will be a difficult side to play against. South Africa went through a bit of a down period after the Lions which is normal for most teams. We found in the Tri-Nations when we played someone after a Lions tour it made it a long campaign for them and the Covid bubble has made it even more difficult for South Africa.

“The way they responded against New Zealand, as South African teams do, was absolutely outstanding. They have had a long season but we know how much they like playing against England and it will be a great game for us.”