The Guy In The Glass

first time in the Six Nations because of injury to Joe Launchbury, and he was so nearly switched to six at Chris Robshaw’s expense for the first Test on this tour. Or was that making your own luck and just a clever way of rousing Robshaw, who has turned in two remarkable performances?

Jones has even had his reservations about the George Ford/Owen Farrell axis in midfield, strongly considering Ben Te’o before the first Test and then briefly trying Luther Burrell at 12.

As it is, for me Melbourne represented Ford’s most accomplished performance for England. Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kuridrani were hellbent on running all over him, but he hit them time and time again. It was a stirring effort. And we should not forget how much Jones has stood by him, even after his kicking debacle against Wales at Twickenham recently.

I have long advocated some physicality in the midfield, and England might still need to find that, but if they do they will have to find it at outside centre or on the wings. The Ford/Farrell partnership must remain When you get what you want in your struggle for self And the world makes you king for a day Just go to the mirror and look at yourself And see what that man has to say.

For it isn’t your father, or mother, or wife Whose judgment upon you must pass The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life Is the one staring back from the glass.

He’s the fellow to please – never mind all the rest For he’s with you, clear to the end And you’ve passed your most difficult,

for now. Jones’ selections rarely lurch towards the obvious. There is almost always a little twist, like Marland Yarde playing in the first Test. And so far he has managed to keep omitted players on-message and motivated.

Of course, that is easier when you are winning, and England have done nothing but that under Jones so far. No doubt his methods will be

examined more critically when – or should that be if? – the losses come, but for now he can do no wrong. He can clearly be ranked among the finest coaches.

However, this will now mean that he is linked with the British and Irish Lions job. No matter that he has already stated that he does not want it. No matter that the Rugby Football