Eddie Jones is ready to steer Japan towards his former facet England in Sunday’s autumn Take a look at, regardless of pulling out of a pre-match press convention on account of “health reasons”.
Jones, who was sacked as England coach nearly two years in the past, was on account of take part in a web based solely press-conference on Friday the place it was warned that questions “unrelated” to the sport could also be stopped by a moderator, however the Japan Rugby Soccer Union (JRFU) stated later within the day he was unwell.
Assistant Neal Hatley, who confronted the media as a substitute, insisted Jones’ absence was only a precaution and that he was relishing a return Twickenham.
“Eddie will be there with bells on,” Hatley stated. “You’ve known him long enough to know he’s not missing this. It’s just a precaution. He’ll be fine for the weekend, no problems.
“He is unbelievably obsessed with bettering this Japanese crew. He could not be extra enthusiastic about coming to Twickenham. He seems ahead to each recreation.”
England are out to cease a run of 5 successive defeats, having misplaced tight matches towards New Zealand, Australia and world champions South Africa.
Jones led England to a few Six Nations triumphs throughout his six-year tenure between 2016 and 2022, plus the runners-up spot to South Africa on the 2019 Rugby World Cup, however has just lately come below the highlight following the discharge of former England scrum-half Danny Care’s autobiography.
Care – who gained 101 caps – claimed Jones oversaw a “toxic” surroundings throughout his time in cost, with former fly-half Danny Cipriani additionally hitting out on the coach.
Nevertheless centre Ollie Lawrence just lately got here to the defence of Jones, insisting the robust love formed him into the participant he has turn into.
“I’ll always be grateful to Eddie because he gave me my first England cap. He’s one of those coaches, as we all know, that likes to challenge players,” Lawrence stated.
“There was a point in my career where he challenged me on my attitude and whether I was working hard enough to warrant being in the squad and whether I was pushing myself enough in training.
“On the time you may take a look at it and be annoyed and be ‘oh, the boss is not on my facet right here’. Again then I used to be in all probability a bit irritated. I used to be in all probability like ‘why is he on my case a lot, why is he on my case?’. However now I look again and suppose that was in all probability one of the best factor that I wanted then.”
England team to face Japan:
Starting XV: 15. George Furbank, 14. Tommy Freeman, 13. Ollie Lawrence, 12. Henry Slade, 11. Ollie Sleightholme, 10. Marcus Smith, 9. Jack van Poortvliet; 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Jamie George, 3. Will Stuart, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. George Martin, 6. Tom Curry, 7. Sam Underhill, 8. Ben Earl
Replacements: 16. Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17. Fin Baxter, 18. Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 19. Nick Isiekwe, 20. Chandler Cunningham-South, 21. Harry Randall, 22. Fin Smith, 23. Tom Roebuck
England head coach Steve Borthwick pictured with assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge after their Autumn Nations Collection defeat to South Africa
Present England head coach Steve Borthwick – who changed Jones – has recalled George Furbank and Tom Curry to the facet for Sunday’s recreation.
“We anticipate a tough challenge from a team that thrives on playing fast and with tempo,” Borthwick stated.
“Japan are a dangerous team so it’s important that we execute our game plan and maintain focus throughout the full 80 minutes.”
Borthwick’s assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge admitted that the strain is on the entire teaching crew.
“We’re feeling a little bit of heat at the moment as a coaching group,” Strawbridge stated.
“Our challenge is to remain true to what we believe in as coaches, teachers and behavioural specialists and not be swayed. It’s not always easy.
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