Former England boss Eddie Jones has launched a ‘cunning trick’ to stay in the head of his former players, reports the Mail Online.
The Aussie, who was renowned for his mind games during his seven years in charge of the Red Rose, was quickly snapped up by Australia for a second stint as Wallabies coach last month.
They Mail suggest that although Jones may ‘no longer be coaching England, he used a cheeky ploy to stay in their heads’.
Making his Calcutta Cup prediction, Jones said: “He (Russell) gives Scotland an outstanding chance to win,’
‘It also means that if England get on top, Scotland will probably get hammered because he will keep taking risks under pressure and will give England more opportunities to score.’
Jones’ assessment of the English side with a foot in each camp was through to be the first of many ploys he will use to get in their heads in the lead-up to the World Cup.
.@wallabies coach Eddie Jones has launched his own podcast, ‘Eddie’ 👀
Catch the first episode now via your favourite podcast App.#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/QcjWUbbwKp
— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) February 3, 2023
Jones also give an interesting view on Gregor Townsend’s relationship with his star fly-half.
‘Gregor Townsend was an older version of Finn Russell and that’s probably why him and Finn Russell don’t get on,’ Jones added.
‘He sees Finn Russell in the mirror – doesn’t want to listen to the coach, wants to do it his own way, [Finn thinks] ‘what does he know, just let me play because I want to play’. They butt heads.’
COMPETITION
ROUND ONE PACK WEIGHTS: ENGLAND FIELD THE HEAVIEST:
Wales vs Ireland pack weights:
Wales pack: G Thomas – 118kg, Owens (capt) – 109kg, Francis – 135kg, Beard – 116kg, Alun Wyn Jones – 117kg, Morgan – 102kg, Tipuric – 102kg, Faletau – 110kg.
TOTAL: 909kg
Ireland pack: Porter – 125kg, Sheehan – 111kg, Bealham – 123kg; Beirne – 113kg, Ryan – 115kg; O’Mahony – 107kg, Van der Flier – 106.5kg, Doris 106kg.
TOTAL: 906.5
