France v England - Eddie Jones unrepetent over threat to unleash ‘brutality’ in ‘Le Crunch’

Jones is unrepentant after demanding his World Cup runners-up launch their Guinness Six Nations title pursuit with a display of savage intensity in Paris tomorrow.

Upset has been caused in rugby circles on the French side of The Channel by the use of the word “brutal”, which when translated into French has explicit connotations of violence.

When it was pointed out to Jones the shock his words had caused, the England head coach said: “Well that wasn’t the intention but the game is violent, isn’t it?

“It’s a brutal, physically aggressive game. We saw in the World Cup final how important aggression is.

“It’s going to be the same on Sunday, so I apologise if it’s been interpreted in the wrong way. You should translate it in a better way.

“I’m just saying how I want us to play rugby. Someone asked me how we were going to play, what do you want me to say? We’re going to have a cup of tea?

“It’s what rugby is about and has been ever since I started watching the game and it will be for as long as I watch the game.

“It’s a physical, confrontational game and your aim is to be brutal on the gainline. You either win or lose on the gainline and that will be the case on Sunday.

“England v France always are ferocious games. It’s nicknamed ‘Le Crunch’ and there’s a reason for that – it’s a great rivalry and a historical rivalry.

“It’s a battle for supremacy. We’re looking forward to it and I’m sure France are as well.

“It’s a tough game and we intend to play tough on Sunday. French teams never have been shy and never will be. So we’re expecting that.”

Uncapped full-back George Furbank is one of only two players in the matchday 23 on parade in Paris unmarked by the experience in Japan, replacement prop Will Stuart being the other.

French insider: Page 5.