Jones to coach England

“I’ve spoken to a South African World Cup victor who thought he was outstanding and said he revolutionised their backs play, gave great support and clarity to individual players and was fundamental to their success”. I am already looking forward to his first selection, which will be a lot harder than he thinks because for the first time in his career he will have a whole variety of choices.

“And if Cipriani is good enough to be in the 30-man squad then he will be in there”. Rugby is a professional sport and we don’t need teachers. That’s what we’ll be aiming to do’.

Former Australia and Japan boss Jones fulfils the criteria of a coach of “proven global experience”, which RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie said would guide his search.

The Rugby Football Union’s policy meant that the highly-rated Steffon Armitage and Nick Abendanon were not selected because they play for Toulon and Clermont Auvergne respectively in the Top 14.

“I know that won’t be happening any more though and he won’t be wanting me to do well!”

All the players out there have got an opportunity to play for England.

But the Aussie reckons it can be done, after a meeting with another former Wallaby coach, and will be speeding around England talking to club bosses to pick up tips. “That’s the rule and it’s going to stay that way so I’m happy with what I’ve got”, Jones told a news conference, suppressing something of a wry smile.

There is a huge task ahead of Jones but he is energised and excited by it.

Jones was presented as the new coach at Twickenham hours after the initial announcement and said he hasn’t decided who will be his assistants. This could be a very exciting period for England.

England have won two of the last three under-20 World Cups, so there’s great talent out there.

“I think he is certainly still going to be involved with England”.

This year saw Jones oversee Japan’s impressive performance at the World Cup, which included a shock defeat of South Africa – the biggest upset in the tournament’s history.

“It’s a matter of selecting the right players, moulding them into a team, developing the style of that team then being able to change that style when we need to be pragmatic”.

“Against Scotland it’s a new sheet of paper”. All the players out there have the chance to play for England.

I want players who want to play for England and to play for England you have to play in the Premiership. “I understand, in terms of the RFU, what they want”.

“If it happens, the Stormers’ loss will be England’s gain”.

“I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity”.

The former Australia coach wrote: “Chris Robshaw wears number seven, but he is a six and a half at best”.

“He’ll be a good fit for what’s required”. But then we have to add things to the game.

“We have to develop openside flankers and I have three or four names of guys that can potentially play there”.

As an outsider with no reason to protect Chris Robshaw as captain, defer to egos or buy into the notion of endless English “development”, Jones is well placed to start from zero with an array of potentially very good England players.