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Eddie Jones prepares England to face '15 Donald Trumps' in USA World Cup clash
Eddie Jones is expecting the United States to provide a tough challenge for his England side in their World Cup meeting in Kobe on Thursday.
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He illustrated that point uniquely, though, saying that the USA will play like “15 Donald Trumps” when the two teams clash at NOEVIR Stadium.
It will be the first time the tier two minnows have played at this tournament in Japan, but Jones guarded against complacency in bizarre fashion.
“It’s going to be like 15 Donald Trumps out there, so we’ll have to be on our job, because we know they’re going to give it everything they’ve got, just like Tonga did. That’s great for us because we’ll have to be at our best,” he said.
Asked to expand on his comparison to the American president, Jones said: “Brash, aggressive, want to take on the world – that’s what we think the USA will do.”
USA Eagles head coach Gary Gold didn’t react to Jones’ comments, citing that his team – the world’s 13th-ranked side who have won just three of their 25 World Cup matches since 1987 – didn’t have the right to engage in a war of words with one of rugby’s powerhouse nations.
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“At this stage, with all due respect, we’re not a good enough rugby team to be making comments or answers to questions like that,” Gold, a South African, said of Jones’ comments.
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“I don’t know what it means.”
It isn’t the first time at this World Cup that Jones has sparked intrigue with his unconventional way of portraying his thoughts and opinions.
Just a day before his Trump comparison, a Japanese reporter asked the 59-year-old to explain his reference to young loose forward duo Sam Underhill and Tom Curry being “kamikaze kids”.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2uED0DId1F/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Australian-born Jones, who coached Japan at the last World Cup and has Japanese heritage through his mother, said he used the reference because of Underhill’s and Curry’s tenacious defensive abilities.
The term ‘kamikaze’ is sensitive in Japan due to its reference to airplane pilots who flew suicide missions during World War II.
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Despite the enthusiasm conveyed in Jones’ words early in the tournament, his England side didn’t replicate that in their first outing of the World Cup, earning a patchy 35-3 victory over Tonga in Sapporo on Sunday.
An Irish rugby writer has called for a stop to the All Blacks haka, saying it "gives New Zealand an unfair advantage".https://t.co/TgoPyyU8LM
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 24, 2019
Subsequently, 10 changes have been made to the starting lineup for their clash against the Eagles in what will be their second match in just four days.
One player who has managed to retain his place in the team is barnstorming No. 8 Billy Vunipola.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2tezgpIV-l/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Concerns have been raised about the durability of the 26-year-old given that he has played 761 of England’s last 800 minutes, but after a physical display against Tonga three days ago, Jones has no qualms about his fitness.
“That’s a massive occasion for him, to play against his own countrymen,” Jones said of Vunipola’s effort against Tonga.
“They were gunning for him, they were looking for him.
“I really enjoyed the way he played that game. At the end of the game when we needed somebody to take the ball forward he called himself, and that’s the sort of player he is. That’s why we love him.”
In other news:
Comments on RugbyPass
I think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
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