Jones Fired up by jibes at Wales ahead of France tie
Forward hits back at England coach’s jibes Gatland’s side target runners-up position
Alun Wyn Jones could not resist chiding Eddie Jones for branding Wales a “a little s--- place” ahead of his side’s Natwest Six Nations meeting with France this evening.
Jones, the totemic second-rower, was targeted by the England coach before last month’s cross-border skirmish at Twickenham, with the Australian saying he would complain to World Rugby about the Wales captain intimidating referees. He shrugged off his namesake’s criticisms, jokingly referring to him as “Uncle Eddie” and after going through the final preparations at the Principality Stadium yesterday, he employed the moniker again.
But this time his mood was not at all jocular after being asked about the video footage of Jones describing the Irish as “scummy” and his foul-mouthed dismissal of Wales.
“Eddie talks a lot,” Jones said. “Whatever he said about Wales, it’s my country, so if he thinks that, then I will stand by my country. I am not here to say whether what somebody says is good or bad. It’s probably a poor choice of words on his part. Uncle Eddie will be able to sort himself out.”
The possibility of finishing second in the Six Nations has been occupying Welsh thoughts in the build-up to this evening’s game. Wales would dearly love to finish above England for the first time in five years, not because of any petty nationalistic differences, but simply because they believe runnersup would represent progress for a young squad which began the campaign crippled by injured and absent Lions.
By the 5pm kick-off, Wales will know exactly what it will take to better England, although unless there are exceptional circumstances in south-west London, a win even without a bonus point will be enough.
“If we win we’ll get second and that’s the aim,” Jones said. “It’s definitely the focus for us. Yeah, we’re disappointed not to be vying for the championship in the last game, but there have been pleasing points in the performances that we’ve shown.
“A lot of players have had opportunities, and hopefully the strength in depth is there. Look, we are nowhere near the finished article, but you never want to be, really. You want to have something left in the tank, and we are in a good place, moving forward.”
Certainly Wales is the place he wants to be moving forward, whatever certain coaches’ views about its size and stature. The Welsh Rugby Union announced yesterday that the 32-year-old has extended his national dual contract at the Ospreys and this means he is all but certain to finish his career in his homeland.
Jones could easily have moved to England or France for one final big payday – with Bath reportedly interested – but as he looks to claw as much out of his career in terms of longevity, he understands that Wales is the wisest option. In tandem with the region he has been with since a teenager, the WRU and Wales management can manage his game time and welfare and, in his own words, “prolong my playing opportunities”.
Jones typically played down the news, calling it “a formality” and declaring “there’s something far bigger to focus on and that is this game”.
France have not won in Cardiff since 2010 and have lost four of their last five visits to the capital. Last year in Paris, the teams contested that famous 100-minute Test, a defeat which still rankles in the red-shirted ranks. Warren Gatland’s men understand that this could be the best Gallic outfit they have faced in some time and anticipate Jacques Brunel’s side arriving full of confidence after last week’s victory over England.
Indeed, but for Johnny Sexton’s last-second drop-goal in the opener, France would be playing for the Championship themselves. As it is, second would still represent Les
Bleus’ best finish in seven years. “If you look at their narrow loss to Ireland, I think that was a standout performance,” Jones said. “It was testament to how far they’ve come. If they get a roll on with the specimens they have up front, it’s going to be a tough day.”
Wales should still have enough, however. After introducing so many new faces in the campaign – most of which, it must be said, were out of necessity – Gatland has reverted to the tried and trusted. It is a big day for Dan Biggar to prove he possesses the playmaking abilities to release the backline in Wales’s supposed more expansive philosophy, while it should be a battle royale in the loose.
Hooker Guilhem Guirado is out injured so 20st centre Mathieu Bastareaud will captain France in his absence.