Grand slam sole target now for Jones’ troops
England coach targets perfect campaign with win over the French
EDDIE JONES has calmed England’s RBS 6 Nations title celebrations because an even greater prize is within reach as he targets a precious grand slam.
For the first time since 2011, England were crowned champions after their 25-21 victory over Wales on Saturday and France’s 29-18 defeat by Scotland swept them over the finishing line with a round to spare.
The Six Nations title has never before been won as early as the penultimate weekend and the silverware, which will sit beside the Triple Crown at Twickenham, ends a run of four successive runners-up finishes.
More treasured riches are on offer in Paris on Saturday, however, when England will seek to complete their first grand slam since Martin Johnson’s World Cup winners of 2003 achieved the feat ahead of their global success.
Jones, in his debut campaign as head coach, insists the prospect of completing the ultimate challenge in northern hemisphere rugby ensures the title festivities will be restrained.
“The emotions were a bit mixed to be honest,” Jones said. “It’s obviously nice to win the championship, but as a team we feel like we haven’t achieved what we want to achieve and that’s the grand slam.
“If we prepare well, we’ll do the business. We’ll go to Paris confident.
“France were always going to be a difficult side and they showed at times against Scotland that they can play sublime rugby. At other times it’s not so sublime, so we need to make sure they don’t have too many sublime moments.
“Winning the title is a fantastic achievement by the team. The squad is still very much the same one from the World Cup, so the squad has changed themselves and the real credit goes to the players.”
Jones watched Scotland prevail at Murrayfield from the squad’s Surrey training base and met with England captain Dylan Hartley after the final whistle.
“We didn’t know whether to shake hands, give each other a hug or just get on with business, so we shook hands,” Jones said. “We decided what we’ll do tonight and what we’ll do for the rest of the week. We’ll have our normal squad meeting after dinner and then we might go down to the bar and have a couple of beers.”
When asked which of his players had impressed him most during the tournament, Jones singled the deposed captain from the World Cup who has been switched from openside to blindside flanker.
“So far it would have to be Chris Robshaw. He’s been absolutely outstanding,” Jones said. “To go from where he was at the end of the World Cup to where he is now, has been a fine achievement. Everyone in the team appreciates the work he does on and off the field and behind the scenes.
Wales prop Tomas Francis, meanwhile, has been cited following an incident during Saturday’s defeat against England at Twickenham.
Television footage showed the Exeter forward appearing to make contact with the eye area of England tighthead Dan Cole late in the game.