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'They're literally, and I say this without hesitation, the most cohesive side in the world'

By PA
Eddie Jones /PA

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

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

But wily Australian coach Jones 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.

“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.

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“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.”

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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.

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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 mate, 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.

“We all have the same amount of time to practice, we all have the players the same amount of time.

“Up to now, teams have got their players for differing times, there’s different experiences.

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“We can only have 25 players until Tuesday, other teams can have 42 until Thursday. So it’s all different.

But 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 mate.

“It’s not a perfect straight line, sometimes we’re going a bit quicker than others. And sometimes we’d like to go a bit quicker.

“But we’ve got great spirit in the side.

“Just look at the spine of the team, our 9, 10 and 15 we played against Wales.

“And they’ve got 12 times, 12 times the amount of caps we’ve got; 12 times.

“So what a fantastic experience for those young blokes, and to edge out a win against the Six Nations side is a real testament to where they are going.

“How much better are they going to be in 12 months with another 10 caps under their belt?

“The game is evolving and we feel like we’re in a really good position to take any opportunities there are to evolve our game in that position.

“And Marcus Smith, Harry Randall and Freddie Steward particularly have added to that mix.”

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H
Hellhound 38 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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