England don’t need mind games – Jones
Eddie Jones insists England do not need mind games to motivate them for tomorrow’s Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland (4.45pm kick-off ).
Jones has adopted a tactful approach to the NatWest 6 Nations showdown in Edinburgh by refusing to engage in the phoney war that has seen the vast majority of the shots fired from north of the border.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has accused England of repeated offside in defence while second row great Doddie Weir views the champions’ dismissal of Murrayfield as “arrogance”.
Jones, however, has refused to engage a fortnight after ruthlessly placing the temperament and conduct of Wales duo Rhys Patchell and Alun Wyn Jones under the spotlight.
“They have brought out every strategy you can think of,” Jones said. “It’s designed to get them up for the game. We’re up for the game, regardless of what’s said. “We always chat to the referee, but it won’t be about that (defending from an offside position), it’ll be about aspects of what he wants from the game, because we want to play legally.” Jones has made just one change, with Nathan Hughes replacing shoulder injury-victim Sam Simmonds at No 8.
Fijian-born wrecking ball Hughes has recovered from knee ligament damage sustained in December.
“Nathan’s a big carrier and a strong defender,” Jones said. “He has a bit more muscle around the ruck, which at Murrayfield might be useful. I’ve never seen him in better physical condition.”
Jonathan Joseph has edged Ben Te’o to retain his starting place at outside centre.