Jones sees no reason for celebrating yet

England refused to celebrate their successful RBS 6 Nations title defence on Saturday after Eddie Jones declared the Grand Slam as the real prize.

For a second consecutive year the crown was secured with a round to spare after Scotland were demolished 61-21 at Twickenham, completing a record-equalling 18th straight victory in the process.

Only Ireland can prevent England from becoming the sixth team in the history of the Championship to defend a Grand Slam when the rivals collide in Dublin.

After dispatching Scotland, the squad gathered with their families but the champagne was put on ice as Jones reflected on the jitters evident at the same stage last year.

“We didn’t celebrate. We haven’t got anything to celebrate yet. It is all ahead of us,” Jones said.

“Last year we were nervous and I expect us to be nervous this year. It is a big occasion.

“You don’t get a chance to win a Grand Slam back to back too many times but experience helps.

“The players have experienced that the year before so I’m sure they will cope with that.

“Every year winning is difficult. There’s a perception that this Six Nations has been better and it probably has been, but you’ve still got to win and to win it you’ve got to stay undefeated.

“You have to be around your best for five games in a row. That’s an achievement.”