Jones heaps praise on cohesive Ireland

Eddie Jones has branded Ireland “the most cohesive side in the world” in installing Andy Farrell’s men as favourites for the Six Nations showdown at Twickenham.

England boss Jones has attempted to heap the pressure onto Ireland in familiar fashion, hinting that their more seamless preparation time carries weight in the autumn and Six Nations Test windows.

But the wily Australian coach also warned that those advantages will disappear at the 2023 World Cup in France, with all sides having standardised access to their players in that build-up.

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“It’s an important week in the tournament, there are three teams left in the tournament and we’re lucky enough to be one of those three,” said Jones on Monday.

“Ireland are favourites for the game – they’ve been in very good form in the autumn, they’re a very settled team, and very well-coached by Andy Farrell.

“And apart from Andrew Porter, I think they’ve got everybody available and ready to go.

“They are literally, and I say this without any hesitation, the most cohesive side in the world.

“The bulk of their team train together for the bulk of the year.

“So they are very well-coordinated in their attack, they are very structured, they’re very sequenced in set plays. And they’re tough around the breakdown.

“So that poses a great challenge for us. But we’re looking forward to the challenge, we’re not intimidated by any team and we’re looking forward to playing against them.”

Ireland’s much-heralded provincial system boosts the Test side through seamless opportunity for players to shift between domestic and international camps.

England’s club and country system, while far more joined-up than in times past, still harbours sticking points among the interaction.

And while noting the differences in set-up, England boss Jones insisted any advantages now will evaporate at next year’s World Cup.

“We’re in a very good position, we’ve got a little over 12 months until we get together for the last part of the project,” said Jones.

“The three months before the World Cup is where every team becomes equal. Once you get to the World Cup campaign start, it’s all equal.

“So how are we tracking now? Yeah, in a really positive manner.”

Jones heaps praise on cohesive Ireland
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