You won’t get in our Ed, Jones
SHANE WILLIAMS has accused Eddie Jones of trying to get “under the skin” of Wales to take the focus off England.
The loss of star forwards Mako Vunipola and Maro Itoje is a significant double blow to Jones ahead of next week’s Six Nations title eliminator in Cardiff.
Vunipola is ruled out for 10 weeks by ankle ligament damage suffered against France.
Itoje crocked his knee against Ireland and is unlikely to return before the final day of the championship.
Yet rather than dwell on his dual loss, Jones has chosen to poke the Dragon by referring to Warren Gatland’s team as “the greatest Welsh side ever”.
Wales legend Williams said: “It doesn’t take much to wind a Welsh person up and he’s trying to get under our skin.
“We all know what Eddie is up to. He’s a clever man, he knows exactly what he’s doing – as this is almost like a World Cup final for some people.
“He’s seen Wales have equalled their record with 11 wins and he’s throwing fuel on the fire by making out that with home advantage they are favourites.
“It’s not a bad England side either, he seems to have overlooked that! But for the coach it’s all about taking pressure off his team, so Eddie doesn’t mind ruffling a few feathers.”
Vunipola’s absence is colossal given that he made 23 carries and 38 tackles in just 119 minutes of Six Nations action this year.
Confirmation of his injury came as Wales trumpeted the return of Lions full-back Leigh Halfpenny after three months out battling concussion symptoms.