Oz legend Gregan tips Eddie’s England to lift World Cup

TOKYO: Former Wallabies captain George Gregan on Wednesday backed England to win a wide-open Rugby World Cup in Japan this year and defended his old coach Eddie Jones’s punishing methods.

Gregan, Australia’s most-capped player, also tipped the Wallabies to break out of their recent slump but thinks Jones can give big-hiting England the edge over treble-chasing New Zealand.

“I actually like the look of England,” the World Cup winner said an interview.

“They will be dangerous because they have the ability to score a lot of points,” added Gregan, who played 139 times for the Wallabies, liting the 1999 World Cup and reaching the 2003 final under Jones.

“Eddie is at the sweet-spot of his coaching career. He will be meticulous and very clear about what they’re working towards.”

Jones has faced criticism over bone-crushing training sessions that have let players hobbled, notably flanker Sam Jones, who was forced to retire ater suffering a horror ankle injury wrestling Maro Itoje at judo.

But Gregan insisted Eddie Jones was the right man to lead England, who broke both their hearts when Jonny Wilkinson sloted a drop goal at the end of extra time to win the 2003 final.

“Eddie is hard but he’s very deliberate and he gets results,” said Gregan.

“Not many champions get there by taking short cuts. Unfortunately you have to hit the hurt locker.”

Gregan also revealed a soter side to his prickly former boss, who is renowned for being something of a wind-up merchant.

“You never hear a lot said publicly about how much he cares for his players,” he said.

“He’s a real father figure to his players. I don’t think England have lost a Test match where he hasn’t come out and blamed himself.”