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Jones steps the trolling up a notch two days out from Cardiff
Eddie Jones has vowed to ruin Warren Gatland’s farewell party after claiming Wales could cave beneath the expectation surrounding Saturday’s Six Nations clash in Cardiff.
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It is Gatland’s final championship match against England before stepping down after the World Cup and the Kiwi is among the contenders to replace Jones when he departs, potentially also after Japan 2019.
Wales are seeking a 12th successive victory that would set a new national record and have already been acclaimed the best Welsh side of all time by a mischievous Jones, who continued the mind game when unveiling his starting XV.
“As we know, the week’s all been about Wales,” said Jones ahead of the clash between the Six Nations’ only unbeaten teams. The Dragons are flying, so it should be interesting. They’re up for winning 12 games in a row. It’s Warren’s last game as well before he takes over somewhere else.
“It’s all about Wales, we are playing potentially the greatest team ever. Their players are full of emotion and it’s the biggest game they are going to play in their lives.
“It’s a big week for them and there’s a lot of expectation. That expectation can either be some wind in their sails, or it can be a ball and chain. We’ll find out on Saturday.
“They have a team they are so proud of and a coach they are so proud of. It’s his last game. We are excited to be a part of that and spoil the party. I don’t know about their camp. All I know is that there’s a lot of talk coming out of it.”
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Jack Nowell has been restored to the right wing in place of the injured Chris Ashton, who is expected to return from his calf injury in time to face Italy in round four.
BREAKING | Your England team to face Wales on Saturday in the #GuinnessSixNations
Preview ? https://t.co/HbpHbeEotO#WALvENG #CarryThemHome ? pic.twitter.com/XrtjKeJkie
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 21, 2019
Nowell excelled during the opening-weekend rout of Ireland but made way for Ashton against France and is now thrust back into the starting XV for a seismic showdown in Cardiff.
Supplying wing cover on the bench is Joe Cokanasiga, the marauding Bath threequarter who is poised to win his third cap after recovering from a knee injury.
“Jack’s a great little player. Great work rate, strong and good in the air. Against a Wales side that will tend to keep the ball more he’ll be pretty useful for us,” Jones said.
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“Joe’s a good young player, he’s working hard at his game. I really like his attitude and how hard he works at his game now. He’s going to be a good player for us.
“He’s good in the air, he can run and he’ll cause the Welsh defence some problems.”
#GuinnessSixNations Team News ?
Your Wales team to face @EnglandRugby on Saturday ??????? #WALvENG ??????? Dyma'r dreigiau fydd yn cystadlu yn erbyn y rhosyn coch penwythnos yma. #HWFN #ForTheJersey pic.twitter.com/jju4zP8dzM
— Welsh Rugby Union ??????? (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 21, 2019
A championship-ending ankle injury has created a vacancy at loosehead prop that is filled by Ben Moon with Ellis Genge serving as a second-half replacement at the Principality Stadium.
“It’s not about edge at loosehead, it’s an order. At the start of the game, Ben’s an industrious player who tackles well,” Jones said.
“For the end of the game, Genge is a more attacking prop. Possibly there will be more opportunities at the end of the day.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Some thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI 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.
2 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 comments