VIEW FROM THE COACH

ENGLAND coach Eddie Jones refused to back up his pre-match jibes on Wales fly-half Rhys Patchell after their narrow 12-6 victory at Twickenham – having already launched a stunning attack on the media for the treatment of one of his players on live radio.

Having vowed to put “heat” on the “third-choice fly-half” earlier in the week, Jones refused to be drawn on the subject following the controversial Six Nations clash.

And Jones also had some staunch words of defence against the media for full-back Mike Brown – who impressed for the hosts under the high-ball – resulting in a remarkable rant in a radio interview.

When asked about his prematch comments on the Scarlets playmaker, Jones fielded questions with a straight bat.

“I made some comments before the game, I’m talking about the game now,” said the England coach.

“So, if you want to talk about the game ask me a question.

“You guys ask me to make comments before the game, I make comments and I raise issues, if you don’t want me to keep doing that then I won’t do it.”

The Australian was then pushed further on whether England singled Patchell out and how Jones himself thought the fly-half coped.

“In any team you try to put pressure on nine and ten.

“We tried to do that and they tried to do it to our nine and ten. It was no different.

“I don’t coach him, mate, ask Warren.”

It was a far cry from the brashness of Jones pre-match, who had insisted that the fly-half would have a hard time dealing with England centre Jonathan Joseph.

While Jones would not be drawn on reopening the Patchell can of worms, he did have some criticism reserved for the media in an incredible live interview on BBC Radio 5 Live.

The England coach snapped at BBC reporter Chris Jones after being pressed on Patchell and the form of man-of-the-match Brown.

With the Australian already prickly following questions about Patchell, he launched into a tirade at the press for their treatment of Harlequins full-back Brown – claiming the press were simply “jumping on the bandwagon” and that they think they are “better selectors” than Jones.

Speaking about the England full-back, Jones said: “Mike Brown was outstanding.

“You guys were telling me he can’t play Test rugby. You guys are unbelievable.

“You criticise him now after game you’re all on the bandwagon.

When the BBC’s Jones suggested that the England coach couldn’t group all the media as one single voice, Eddie Jones’ frustration only heightened – suggesting the press think they know more about rugby than him.

“I think we can (treat the media as one) and I’m sick of it.

“You guys are better selectors than we are. That’s what you think you are. Then one game and you’re on the bandwagon. He’s been excellent for 24 Tests.”