WATCH: Eddie Jones previews England's autumn internationals
Saturday 12 November 2016 13:47, UK
Eddie Jones joined Will Greenwood and Alex Payne in the Sky Sports studio on Friday night to look ahead to England's Old Mutual Wealth Series.
England, who have won all nine Tests under the guidance of Jones, face South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday followed by fixtures against Fiji, Argentina and Australia.
The England coach spoke about England's preparations for the autumn internationals, his team selection for the Springboks, the Lions' chances in New Zealand and also answered some viewers' questions.
Jones on England's preparation
"We have had a great two weeks. We had a week in Portugal and got some really good work done on and off the field. We've got quite a new squad; we're missing around 10 players from our top 30.
"We've had to integrate the new players, get them used to playing the England way, get them thinking the way we want them to think. Portugal was really useful and then we came back to Pennyhill Park to sharpen the axe.
"It's important that guys get together and socialise, but a lot of it is the tactical part, understanding how we want to play. The other part is the cultural part, which the players are leading themselves and are working on at the moment."
Jones on team selection for South Africa
"The great thing about being the England coach is each selection gets harder and harder. That's the way it should be. We've got a number of good players competing for a number of spots. Look at the guys we had to send away on Tuesday, such as Henry Slade and Roko (Semesa Rokoduguni), who has been the form winger in the Premiership. We're getting a nice competitive environment.
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"Why did I not select Rokoduguni? It's horses for courses. We've tried to pick the side that can beat South Africa. Playing against South Africa is completely different compared to playing Argentina, Australia or Fiji. We've tried to pick the guys who can cope with the South African game. Further down the track other guys will come into it."
Jones on Tom Wood's recall
"He has gone back to club rugby and become much more impactful in his tackling and carries. He has always been a good work-rate player. He has good lineout skills and can really fill those big shoes of James Haskell.
"I've been impressed by the way he has come back into the team. He has got on with it, worked really hard and become more influential as the couple of weeks went on."
Jones on South Africa
"With the South Africans it's all going to come down route one initially. They'll try to gain momentum with their big ball-carriers and they play off the back of that. Pat Lambie is a smart player at 10, he likes to put the ball in behind.
"Test match rugby always comes down to set piece. The scrum and lineout are going to be super important and what happens on those phases after that. Our job is to make sure we minimise how they win the ball at the set piece and then close them down on that first and second phase. We have been working hard on that.
"South Africa have got a very tall lineout. They've three locks playing, which creates opportunities in other areas. We've got one of the smartest lineout coaches in the world. No-one carries a laptop around more than Steve Borthwick. Courtney Lawes, Joe Launchbury, Tom Wood and Chris Robshaw are well educated on what we need to do at the lineout."
Jones on Ireland beating New Zealand
"Ireland were very smart. They kept the game structured, played to their strengths. New Zealand picked a complacent side, whether that was through injuries or they thought they get away without playing any locks, and they got caught with their pants down.
"How good are the All Blacks? To win 18 Tests in a row you've got to be pretty good. But like any team, if you can find ways of putting pressure on them and on individuals, you can turn a game around."
Jones on the Lions' chances in New Zealand
"I think they have a fantastic chance. Look at the four countries, you're going to get a strong team together - and England is going to be the base of that team. I hope Warren is watching for some selection advice! There is a team capable of beating New Zealand because they can put pressure on areas where New Zealand aren't particularly strong in.
"How would you approach the game? You've got to keep the game structured. New Zealand want to play unstructured rugby. Every kid plays sevens, you go down there and everyone is out throwing the ball around, sidestepping and throwing long passes. You've almost got to bore them to death, which is what Ireland did. Keep the ball tight, put the ball in the air and contest, don't allow them too much space. Ireland did that brilliantly."
Watch England v South Africa live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Saturday from 2pm. Catch all four of England's Old Mutual Wealth Series fixtures for £25 with NOW TV. No contract.
