Eddie Jones insists England do not need mind games to motivate them for Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland.
Jones has adopted a tactful approach to the NatWest 6 Nations showdown in Edinburgh by refusing to engage in the phoney war that has seen the vast majority of the shots fired from north of the border.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has accused England of repeated offside in defence while second row great Doddie Weir views the champions’ dismissal of Murrayfield as “arrogance”.
Eddie takes you through preparation and selection ahead of Saturday’s #NatWest6Nations clash against Scotland ? #SCOvENG #CarryThemHome pic.twitter.com/lbydiraohQ
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 22, 2018
New Zealand-born prop Simon Bergan added to the hostilities by declaring that in advance of his move to Edinburgh in 2014, “I sort of knew that everyone hates England”.
Jones, however, has refused to engage a fortnight after ruthlessly placing the temperament and conduct of Wales duo Rhys Patchell and Alun Wyn Jones under the spotlight.
“They have brought out every strategy you can think of,” Jones told Sky Sports. “I’m sure there’s an ex-Scottish player ready to come out today (Thursday) and say something about how they hate us, they want to rub our nose in something, we don’t respect them.
“It’s designed to get them up for the game. We’re up for the game, regardless of what’s said. We always chat to the referee, but it won’t be about that (defending from an offside position), it’ll be about aspects of what he wants from the game, because we want to play the game legally.”
Fijian-born wrecking ball Hughes has recovered from the knee ligament damage sustained on club duty for Wasps in December and is thrust straight into the back row.
“Sam has done really well for us and is a good young player, but Nathan’s a big carrier and a strong defender,” Jones said.
“He has a bit more muscle around the ruck, which at Murrayfield might be useful. I’ve never seen him in better physical condition.
“I’m really impressed with the way Ben Teo’s going. Now he’s really started to understand the nuances of rugby union,” Jones said.
“It’s a hard selection but early on, given the way Scotland have traditionally attacked under Gregor, that Joseph’s defensive skills out wide might be very useful.
“Te’o will come off the bench and carry it through. He’s a great carrier, a strong carrier and good on his feet – a good defender in a different sort of way.”
Congratulations to Wasps’ @NateWJHughes who returns to the @EnglandRugby side at No 8, while Wasps captain @joe_launch will play in his 50th game for England!
More at: https://t.co/2cR9PcYczW pic.twitter.com/qbsZ2l8Pr7
— Wasps (@WaspsRugby) February 22, 2018
Jones dispelled any concern over Owen Farrell’s fitness after the playmaker played only a limited role in training since the win against Wales by declaring “he’s full of beans”.
On the bench, Joe Marler replaces Alec Hepburn after serving a six-week ban for a dangerous clear-out and will provide cover for loosehead prop Mako Vunipola, but the replacements otherwise remain unchanged.
Joe Launchbury will win his 50th England cap while Dylan Hartley becomes the nation’s second most capped player by surpassing the 91-appearance mark set by Jonny Wilkinson.
