Jones sees a very positive future ahead
EDDIE Jones is confident rugby will emerge from a dull period dominated by defence after conceding it is currently a sport whic excites only purists.
Jones is preparing his England team for Sunday’s Autumn Nations Cup final against France at Twickenham after presiding over business-like wins against Georgia, Ireland and Wales which produced few thrills.
Disillusionment has grown over the lack of ambition which has swept through the game since a successful 2019 World Cup with defence, set-piece and kicking dominating matches at the expense of entertainment.
Even former England captain Dylan Hartley admitted the emphasis on shutting down opponents had been “boring” and there is a perceptible frustration among players of all nations that it has become more profitable to play without the ball.
Jones refuses to promise fireworks when 2020 concludes with a rematch of his side’s solitary defeat this year but insists attacks will ignite again when the current cycle ends.
He said: “We would like to dominate France and how we do that will depend on what sort of game it is. We cannot control that.
“Just looking at rugby at the moment, it is a tough, physical game. A real game for the purists at the moment.
“It reminds me of the 2007 World Cup where defences were pretty dominant and kicking was one of the major ways to get ahead in the game.
“The next cycle is always an attacking one, so let’s enjoy the defensive cycle we have at the moment and look forward to the attacking cycle when it comes.
“When that happens is always dependent on the laws - when we have quick ball we are able to play with space and some time.
“You just look at every side in the world, they are so much better organised in defence. “Everyone is getting off the line hard and time and space are at a premium. Unless we are able to find quick ball it is very difficult to play with any fluency.”