He almost got through the whole press conference without making a headline-making remark…
Eddie Jones was gracious in defeat after England’s winning run was halted at 18 by a determined, driven Ireland team.
“Ireland played superbly,” said Jones. “They were too good on the day and fair play to them.”
One of the key players for Ireland in their 13-9 victory was Peter O’Mahony, who was drafted in as a late replacement for the injured Jamie Heaslip [upper hamstring strain].
Jones dismissed the notion that Heaslip’s pre-match injury was a pre-planned ruse to throw England off. Pressed on the matter, a smiling Jones remarked:
“Maybe a Leprechaun tackled him in the warm-up.”
With that, Jones was away. He has been England coach for 15 months and has won two Six Nations championships.
He is a quirky character and never shies away from making a comment or two.
Asked about that Heaslip injury theory, Ireland coach Joe Schmidt was less than impressed.
"Couldn't be a more flawed theory… It's a bit of a slight on us, that theory"
Joe Schmidt on claims Heaslip injury was a ruse
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) March 18, 2017
Heaslip, who was definitely NOT tackled by a Leprechaun, will go for a scan on that injured hamstring in the coming days.
It’s never dull when these sides collide.
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