Eddie Jones defends Dylan Hartley withdrawal at Murrayfield
Monday 5 March 2018 10:51, UK
Eddie Jones has defended his policy of withdrawing skipper Dylan Hartley early in games following criticism from former England head coach Sir Clive Woodward.
Northampton hooker Hartley was replaced by Jamie George in the 56th minute of Scotland's 25-13 Six Nations victory at Murrayfield on February 24, with Owen Farrell assuming the captaincy.
It came at a time when England's recovery was underway and Woodward questioned the wisdom of taking off your captain at a crucial point in the contest.
"My heart sank to see Dylan Hartley go off by pre-arrangement after 55 minutes with his team desperately needing some leadership and inspiration," said Woodward.
"Can you imagine Lawrence Dallaglio or Martin Johnson going off at Murrayfield with 25 minutes to go when their team are in dire trouble?"
Jones insists replacing props and hookers is a necessity in the modern game, even though Hartley's opposite number Stuart McInally played the entire game.
"The game has changed in terms of intensity. It's very hard for front row forwards to play 80 minutes," Jones said.
"I've seen Mako Vunipola go 77 minutes and he comes off as a physical wreck. It takes half a week to recuperate, without any exaggeration.
"So most front row players around the world go 60 minutes because of the amount of work they have to do is three times what they had to do 10 years ago.
"Speak to Woodward about his opinion. We have set up the team so that the captaincy is movable."
The game has changed in terms of intensity. It's very hard for front row forwards to play 80 minutes.
Jones said Hartley has played a key role in rallying England following the defeat in Edinburgh as they look to get their Six Nations campaign back on track against France in Paris on March 10.
"You need strong people. You need people to come in that aren't kicking stones," added Jones.
"You don't need people who are feeling sorry for themselves, you need people to come in and want to set an example of how we will go forward - and he has done that."
