Eddie Jones throws fresh barb at Wales after Twickenham win

England coach Eddie Jones says Wales’ “cocky” approach to Saturday’s Six Nations clash between the countries made it particularly satisfying to come away with the win.

Jones’ men triumphed 12-6 at Twickenham, with Jonny May’s two first-half tries enough to settle an encounter that also saw Wales full-back Gareth Anscombe denied a seemingly legal try by the TMO.

Wales’ convincing win against Scotland on the opening weekend had inspired confidence that Warren Gatland’s side could pull off an upset over the defending champions.

Jones targeted Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones and fly-half Rhys Patchell in his pre-match comments in an apparent bid to unsettle the visitors, with the former referring to the Australian as “Uncle Eddie” in response.

England’s battling victory was their 24th in 25 matches under Jones, who said the build-up made the result especially pleasing.

“Those sort of games when it’s a bit of an arm wrestle and one side’s got to give, they’re the most pleasing games to win,” he told the BBC’s Sportsweek programme. 

“We’ve won a couple of those now – Australia in the autumn and this game here against a very good Wales side.

“Full credit should go to Wales. They’re very well coached by Warren Gatland and we’re pleased to get that result.

“We wanted to start well. They came rolling down the M4 full of confidence, very cocky, and it was important that we started the game well and took a bit of wind out of their sails, which we did. That got us the win.”

"The effort, to a man, was unbelievable. You work hard, you get your luck" – @EnglandRugby's Mike Brown.#ENGvWAL#NatWest6Nations pic.twitter.com/d1Zk8TYWkB

— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 10, 2018

Elaborating on his assessment of Wales as “cocky”, Jones added: “Very much from what they say in the media.

“You got the impression they thought they had a very big chance to beat us, so it’s always nice to win those games, particularly when it’s against Wales.”