It’s time for Jones’ men to really let rip in Rome
A FOX darted in front of Conor O’Shea when he arrived by taxi at the Six Nations launch event in London.
‘Honestly, I thought Eddie Jones had released it,’ quipped the Italy coach, with a cheeky laugh.
Memories of being tactically out-foxed at Twickenham last year still haunt England but they should be laid to rest in Rome this afternoon.
Failing to adapt to the infamous ‘no-ruck’ scenario left some nagging questions over the Jones regime: Where were the leaders? Where was the preparation? Where was the initiative?
‘I don’t want to talk about it,’ snapped Jones on Friday, still showing signs of lingering angst.
Twelve months later, most of the answers have been provided on the pitch. England have marched on with one defeat in 23 and Jones has selected a team to banish last year’s memories — demanding a ‘ruthless and brutal’ display at the Stadio Olimpico.
Questions, now, will start to focus on next year’s World Cup: Who will be captain? Do they have enough depth? How do they compare with Martin Johnson’s Telstra Stadium heroes of 2003?
The biggest concern lies within the forwards. Injuries and suspensions granted, England’s replacement front-row have started just one Test between them. Time is running out to blood new players and there is a startling lack of experience across some of the back-row contenders.
A year out from the 2003 World Cup, England already had two potential starting packs. A satisfactory outcome this year would be for Harry Williams, Sam Simmonds and Sam Underhill to establish themselves as Test players to give England the required depth by the end of the Six Nations.
Otherwise, there could be more questions than answers.
‘In 2003, they had great leadership within their team,’ said Jones. ‘That’s what we’re striving to develop; a great leadership group of eight or nine players, surrounded by three or four lieutenants that basically run the team. When situations are put in front of them, they work it out and get on with it quickly.’
‘Developing world class players is ongoing. There are a number of our players moving in the right direction. Maro Itoje, Mako Vunipola, Owen Farrell and Anthony Watson are all guys racing towards that and this is a great opportunity to put their foot forward.
‘I think Dan Cole by the end of the Six Nations will be the premier tight-head in Europe. His body’s changed and his scrum position is improving all the time. He’s at a great age — prime age at 31, 32 — to be the best tight-head in the world.’
Jones has opted against major experimentation in today’s Six Nations opener.
Instead, he has selected a hardnosed team to punch holes and beat Italy into submission — with powerhouse centre Ben Te’o the boldest inclusion after three months on the sidelines with injury.
It is a selection to enhance England’s winning mentality, with the potential for a 30-point victory which would only strengthen the calls for Georgia’s inclusion in a restructured tournament.
Chris Robshaw has been restored to the No7 jersey and the flanker, who captained England at the 2015 World Cup, claimed a mindset shift is the key change since the failed Stuart Lancaster regime.
‘The big difference is that we have gone unbeaten in series and picked up silverware,’ said Robshaw. Eddie has given us that ruthless streak. He knows how to get the best out of you whether that’s shouting or a bit of love.’
To get the best out of his players in Italy today, Jones will no doubt draw upon the memories of last year’s humiliation. The poor fox had best look out for the hunters.