Coach Eddie Jones is sure Red Rose will bloom again

PREPARING for the expected barrage of criticism after their record loss against Wales, England head coach Eddie Jones went as far as accepting some of the opinion “might be right” but remains adamant his struggling side will flourish again.
Opinions: England coach Eddie Jones says everyone will have one after the defeat in Cardiff. Picture: Adam Davy/PA Wire.Opinions: England coach Eddie Jones says everyone will have one after the defeat in Cardiff. Picture: Adam Davy/PA Wire.
Opinions: England coach Eddie Jones says everyone will have one after the defeat in Cardiff. Picture: Adam Davy/PA Wire.

Saturday’s 40-24 defeat in Cardiff signified the most points ever conceded by the Red Rose against these opponents.

Strangely, though, England did arguably play their best attacking rugby of this Six Nations so far only to be undone by more woeful ill-discipline.

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Having also lost to Scotland, they head into their fourth game against France at Twickenham on Saturday week with hopes of defending the title shattered. And big questions marks over their pedigree.

But Jones insisted: “Some of our rugby today was really good.

“I think we’re going in the right direction. We’ve been through these periods before. I don’t know any side that hasn’t.

“Everyone is going to have an opinion and some of them might be right. But we have to make sure we listen to what’s important. That’s what goes on in the team. We’ll get out of this.”

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This Test will perhaps forever be remembered for some bizarre refereeing decisions from Pascal Gaüzère which saw Wales score two first-half tries which were both dubious to say the least.

Inquest: England captain Owen Farrell and his squad discuss the defeat against Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)Inquest: England captain Owen Farrell and his squad discuss the defeat against Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Inquest: England captain Owen Farrell and his squad discuss the defeat against Wales. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Jones bit his lip afterwards when asked about the Frenchman’s display.

He said: “All I will end up with is a fine and that won’t help anyone. The dog won’t be able to eat its food, wife won’t be able to eat, so I can’t say anything.

“Wales were worthy winners. We take full responsibility and don’t blame the referee.

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“But sometimes there are circumstances that happen that are difficult to handle. And we weren’t good enough to handle them.”

England’s penalty count was once more far too high, this time running at 14.

Four of those came from Maro Itoje alone, the British Lions lock whose class is undoubted but whose decision-making is becoming costly.

Jones will address it. He said: “He’s one of the best players in the world and plays the game on the edge. I can remember the same sort of discussion being had about (Australia flanker) George Smith at various stages.

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“Sometimes the referees tend to maybe over referee a player like him.

“But at the same time there are areas of his game he needs to tidy up. And he knows that. He’s a good boy. A good player.”

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