Jones: 'Why would a result like this change the 23 for the next game?'
Eddie Jones denied England’s sluggish first-half performance in their 24-17 loss against France was the consequence of a World Cup hangover.
Jonny May’s brace of tries after the break could not drag England back from a shocking start in their Guinness Six Nations opener, with Jones’ men conceding 24 unanswered points to Les Bleus thanks to a score from Vincent Rattez and two from captain Charles Ollivon.
Much more was expected from a side who confidently powered their way to the World Cup final with dominating victories over Australia and New Zealand. Instead there were flashbacks to their stuttering showing against South Africa, France gaining the upper hand early on and England struggling for ideas in the face of inspired opponents.
But Jones was at pains to concentrate on how his side managed to pull themselves back into contention in the hostile environment of the Stade de France.
“I don’t think we would have seen the response we got in the second half if we had a mental hangover,” he said.
“It was one of those games where France played well, I think we should be giving France credit. We weren’t good enough in the first half and they were very good.
“But I was really pleased with our second half. That was a game that could have been quite ugly for us. The crowd was going nuts, they got a bit of a roll on and I thought the response of our players in the second half was absolutely outstanding.”
SIX NATIONS XV – RD1
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1???????– @alexshawsport picks his #SixNations team of the round???https://t.co/2SbAiwDnPj
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 2, 2020
England’s cause early on was not helped by centre Manu Tuilagi limping off after 15 minutes with a groin problem.
It is not immediately apparent how serious the injury is, but Jones will be concerned about a player who has spent a fair portion of his career on the treatment table.
“Obviously he’s a big gain-line player for us and in those conditions we definitely did miss him, but you’ve got to be good enough to cope with that,” said Jones.
PLAYER RATING ???????
– @alexshawsport rates the English players after a resounding loss in Paris ??? #FRAvENG https://t.co/EDe9CfFJ3Z
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 2, 2020
“We’ll just wait and see. Like all of these things he’ll get the appropriate medical check and we’ll work it out from there.
“The only thing I know is that unfortunately we’re going to go to Scotland with an L next to our name instead of a W which we wanted, but nothing else changes.
“We don’t want to play another 40 minutes like we played today, that’s obvious.
PLAYER RATING ??
Here's how we rated the French players #FRAvENG https://t.co/3tubGvNwhN
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 2, 2020
“The result of the game doesn’t affect selection. Selection will always be we pick a side that wants to win. Why would a result like this change the 23 for the next game?”
France, on the other hand, can attack their remaining Six Nations games with optimism after a performance full of verve and energy.
After his first game at the helm, coach Fabien Galthie said: “What made the difference was the players and the solidarity when England came back in the second half.
“Our team was well-positioned, well-organised and fought back every time to win the power struggle.
“Scoring three times against the English under the rain is something. We showed our know-how.
“The staff have been working hard for the last two months working on the details that led us to this great victory.”
PA
Comments on RugbyPass
Blackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
9 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
9 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
2 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
2 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
9 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
9 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
9 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
9 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
9 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
9 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to comments