Jones still playing his favourites trick

EDDIE JONES has seemingly backed down in his war of words with Vern Cotter by offering an ‘apology’ to his Scotland counterpart. The England head coach riled the big Kiwi at the Six Nations launch in London last week by claiming the home side were favourites for this Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash despite the Scots being without a victory against the Auld Enemy since 2008. Jones’ assertion that, as favourites, Scotland may not be able to handle the pressure also did not sit well with Cotter. Yesterday, the combative Australian reversed his position — although it is debatable whether this was simply more mind games in the build up to his first match in charge of England. ‘Vern Cotter doesn’t want to be favourites so we’re happy to be favourites,’ said Jones. ‘I know he was upset about that so I apologise to Vern. ‘If you want me to write a letter, I’ll write a letter of apology. We’re happy to be favourites.’ Jones denied that he had been playing mind games with the Scots last week, but admitted that such ploys are a part of his coaching repertoire. ‘Everything we do is about winning,’ he continued. ‘Everything we say is about winning. ‘Every time we talk to the media, we are trying to find a way to win. ‘I don’t see that as mind games; it’s just part of the process. I just think you have to do everything you can to win — that’s my job as a coach. That’s what I’ve been hired to do.’ Meanwhile, Scotland centre Mark Bennett has a ‘good chance’ of facing England. Assistant head coach Matt Taylor said he had taken contact in training for the first time in nearly four weeks and was now being seriously considered to start on Saturday. ‘He’s back in the mix,’ said Taylor. ‘I think he’s got a good chance of playing on Saturday. Certainly, a fully-fit Mark Bennett is a very good player. He has a bit of time because we haven’t finalised the team.’ EDINBURGH captain Mike Coman will leave the club at the end of the season to join London Irish.