ALAS SMITH AND JONES

Eddie reckons beating the All Blacks is like trying to dismiss Aussie run-machine Steve in the Ashes

to work them out by not going away from the plan and keep digging away.

“But what happens is people get bored and try to find the magic solution – and that magic solution allows the batsman to get free.

“If you allow them to get free they become a different player, but if you keep them where they don’t like to be, you’ll get a result. It’s the same in rugby.”

Across town,

Hansen echoed

Jones’ call for patience from his own side, remembering how England led them 15-0 a year ago and would have won had Sam Underhill’s late try not been controversially chalked off.

“I watched the first part of the England-australia game

If we’re not having success, we’ve got to keep building the momentum and pressure until we do.”

There is no question the Jones factor unsettles the Kiwis and empowers England.

“Eddie’s got a work ethic second to none,” added Hansen. “He put himself in hospital, he worked that hard. He’s done a fantastic job with England. They’ve got a harder edge.”

The two coaches are pals and have promised to share a few beers whatever the outcome. “It’s a game of footy, it’s not life or death,” Hansen added. “It’s like when you play against family. It’s important, but it’s not life-threatening.”

Jones added: “Having a respectful relationship is massively important in our game. You just have to see this tournament, what it’s done. The things that have happened don’t happen in other sports.

“You’ve got the Canadian and Namibian blokes cleaning up the ground [after their game was cancelled].

“Can you imagine Ronaldo or Messi doing that if Barcelona or Real Madrid gets a wash? It’s a different game.”