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Eddie Jones says 'scummy Irish' remarks won't motivate Ireland

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England head coach Eddie Jones does not think remarks he made about Ireland will inspire their opponents on Saturday

Eddie Jones does not believe his derogatory comments about Ireland will give them extra motivation ahead of Saturday's Six Nations finale in Twickenham.

Footage emerged of Jones, during a talk last July, referring to Ireland as the "scummy Irish" and Wales as a "little s*** place".

Jones apologised for his comments and speaking publicly on the matter for the first time on Thursday, the England head coach said: "I apologise for the remarks.

"I sincerely mean that and I really don't have anything else to say on the matter. I'm happy to answer questions on the game coming up but the other matter is dead."

We’re working very hard, looking at the detail, the before and after the breakdown. We’re moving towards a solution.
Eddie Jones

When pressed on his remarks, Jones said: "I've made the statement. I don't need to say anything else on it.

"Ireland are preparing for a Grand Slam. They don't need any extra motivation."

Referee Marius van der Westhuizen
Image: Marius van der Westhuizen refereed an England training session

Jones denied England had gained an advantage by assistant referee Marius van der Westhuizen's involvement in training on Wednesday.

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The South Africa official will run the touchline on Saturday but Jones says they went through the proper channels.

"We went through World Rugby and asked for a southern hemisphere referee to try and help us with our breakdown," said the Australian.

"That's what they offered."

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James Haskell says England must improve at the breakdown if they are to deny Ireland a Six Nations Grand Slam

Jones has made seven changes to the team that were beaten by France, with skipper Dylan Hartley returning from injury and Owen Farrell moving to fly-half to partner Richard Wigglesworth.

"Those two can get us on the front foot against Ireland," said Jones of his Saracens half-back combination.

"We have to play a certain way against Ireland. They have got a very distinct style of play and we feel those two will get us on the front foot.

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"Danny [Care] needs some quick ball. He plays off the back of quick ball whereas we think Wigglesworth could create some quick ball for us.

"Will there be more kicking? You can decide which way we're going to go."

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