Eddie Jones urges England players to sharpen fitness for international rugby
“He doesn’t play. You can’t be in the World XV if you don’t play”, Jones said.
England for what it’s worth kicked 41 times against Scotland (36%) and against Italy they also opted to “kick 36% of their ball away”, to borrow a phrase from Jones. “It is not the way I think you should play rugby but it has been successful for them”.
“For us now, it’s about building that consistency and rewarding the fans”.
England are level with France at the top of the Six Nations table, ahead on points difference with both sides on six points after two games.
Now forwards coach Easterby has warned the Ireland squad not to allow themselves to be distracted by a war of words.
Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill has insisted England’s most effective ball carrier is not ready to end his 20-month absence from the Test arena, but Jones believes otherwise.
When asked if the showdown with Wales is feasible for his global return, Jones replied: “Definitely”. We’d like to look at that.
“Did I wonder if I’d get to play for England at Twickenham again? As long as they keep their heads on right, keep grounded, which they all are at the minute, keep working hard, which they all are, I have got no doubts in my mind that they can be world-class and have a massive impact on the global game”.
Jones, who has been instructing his team to stand flatter in attack, is prepared for an aerial bombardment from Ireland. Ireland have made a slow start, and one which now places them in a position where they are unlikely to feature for a share of the spoils come the final day.
Tadhg Furlong and Rob Herring have not rejoined the squad due to thigh muscle injuries while a squad update released on Monday morning revealed that Ulster wing Craig Gilroy, Leinster flanker Jordi Murphy and Munster lock Dave Foley have all been called up.
Healy and Ross came through Leinster’s 14-13 Pro12 victory at Cardiff on Saturday unscathed, and are now set for their first outings in this term’s Six Nations.
Johnny Sexton, meanwhile, took full part in Tuesday’s training and is available for selection.
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Even if England managed to structure themselves and concede fewer penalties throughout the game, they then face a galvanised and largely injury-free Wales – the tournament favourites.
Munster flyer Earls has beaten the concussion that kept him out of the game in Paris, and stepped into Ireland’s centres when Payne suffered a foot injury during last autumn’s World Cup.