Stuart Lancaster barely raised an eyebrow during his four years in charge of England. Eddie Jones is different gravy.
So far, England’s new coach has increased his players’ fitness by 30% in a month, dropped Luther Burrell, claimed Ireland kick away 60% of possession, told his players to give Italy a ‘good hiding’, recalled Luther Burrell, said England have no world-class players and claimed Ireland kick away 70% of possession.
He is doling out soundbites and making headlines.
This morning, Jones stuck his neck out with a claim out Johnny Sexton’s health and well-being. “I’m sure his mother and father would be worried about that. Hopefully, the lad’s all right on Saturday to play,” said Jones.
Many would see that as a step, or 10, too far.
Following Ireland’s team announcement at Carton House, this afternoon, Andrew Trimble and Mike Ross gave their reaction to the verbal stream following from England’s new man in charge. On Ireland’s kicking game, Trimble remarked:
“We’ve won two championships in a row and that’s because of the processes that are in place.
“I don’t think we’re going to get bogged down in any of the stats that are unverified… that’s the polite way of terming it.”
“But we know what we’re capable of whenever we produce a big performance,” Trimble continued, “when guys get that balance of passion and intensity, and get things going the way traditionally an Irish side would at Twickenham, but also being clever about what we do and outsmarting the opposition.
“And we need to bring both approaches at the weekend.”
Trimble says the comments about Sexton will not have the slightest bearing on what will happen on the pitch this weekend. He commented:
“He’s definitely got a hard time in the French game, with guys coming at him left, right and centre.
“Johnny’s confrontational and aggressive, and that’s just with us never mind the opposition. But he can handle it; Johnny can handle himself more than most people out there to be honest.
“So I don’t think he’ll be bothered at all by any of the chat.”
Mike Ross’ response was as sanguine as the man himself. He told us, “It doesn’t really bother us too much, certainly from the players themselves, I think they don’t really want to give us any more motivation.” As for the kicking stats…
“Eddie is just having a bit of fun. We won’t take it too seriously.
“We won’t be pinning that on the dressing room door.”
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