Daily Mirror

I got told off by my mum for swearing

Jones apologises to his mum for the f-word rant but will never say sorry for ugly England victories

- BY ALEX SPINK Rugby Correspond­ent

EDDIE JONES last night said sorry for swearing – but not for England’s ‘dirty’ win over Argentina.

Three days on from a performanc­e which caused him to turn the air blue, Jones said he had been told off by his mum after being caught on camera yelling “How f***ing stupid are we!”

“It’s not acceptable so I apologise for that,” said the Aussie. “I got a phone call from my mother, who is 93, rapping me over the knuckles.

“She said ‘please don’t swear’ so that will be the last time I do. Being in trouble with my mother is a big enough punishment for me.”

Jones’ contrition only went so far, however, as he turned his attention to Saturday’s Twickenham clash against his home country.

He and his players were not about to accept criticism of how they played against Argentina – insisting it was the result that counted.

“We won the game and I was pleased with the way we won it,” he said. “I don’t mind winning dirty.

“To me rugby is a game that can be played beautifull­y badly or beautifull­y well. I know people are disappoint­ed with how we played. So are we.

“That’s part of rugby. It’s like when you bat: sometimes you can score a beautiful 100, sometimes you score a

terrible 70. But that terrible 70 might save or win you a Test match. So our ‘innings’ on Saturday was important.

“They tried to bludgeon us and they couldn’t – we stood up to the task with a team put together very quickly.”

Jones’ theme was taken up by scrum-half Danny Care (below) on a day which saw Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje included on a five-man shortlist for World Player of the Year. “People who don’t know much about the internatio­nal game find it easy to criticise,” he said. “We hope to get the crowd going but we’re not there to entertain. We’re there to get the job done and win.”

England know as they shake off rust, Australia are a well-oiled machine inspired by ex-Wasps star Kurtley Beale. “He’s the most wonderfull­y gifted player,” said Jones. “He does things other players don’t even dream of.”

He does. Like posing with Prince William wearing budgie smugglers.

“Prince William is a good guy and came in the sheds and said g’day,” said Beale. “I love playing in budgie smugglers. They are the last thing I was wearing. I’m sure we’ll be able to organise a pair if he wants some for Christmas!”

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 ??  ?? NO-FRILLS VICTORY England failed to sparkle against Argentina (left) but Jones was happy with an ugly win
NO-FRILLS VICTORY England failed to sparkle against Argentina (left) but Jones was happy with an ugly win
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