IT’S ALL UP IN THE AIR NOW FOR JONES
EDDIE JONES last night backed his England team to beat Ireland in the aerial battle which so often decides their Six Nations duels.
He also warned Andy Farrell’s unchanged line-up that Jonny May, match winner with a try and an assist in Dublin a year ago, goes into Sunday’s Triple Crown eliminator an even better player.
Jones had made a point of saying as little as possible, presumably in response to being widely criticised for giving France the ammunition to shoot down England on the opening weekend.
But when questioned as to why the Irish tend to be so good at the ‘high ball’ contest, the Red Rose boss found his voice.
He acknowledged that Irish players develop skills from an early age as “probably from the age of five they play Gaelic football”.
But he added: “We’re not afraid of the contest. That’s an area we pride ourselves on being pretty good in. We back our back three in that area against any team.”
England’s kick-chase game has been poor in this championship, symbolised by specialist coach Neil Craig trying to catch a ball in France and dislocating his finger.
In Paris, scrum-half Ben Youngs lacked control with his box kicks, while in Scotland, there was no control for either team due to Storm Ciara.
But Ireland know that when Youngs and George Ford find (below) knocking out Audley Harrison in 2013 their line and length, May is a match for anyone.
The Leicester wing needs one try to reach 30 for England. He has two of England’s three in this tournament – and 15 in 20 Tests since Ireland won the Grand Slam on their last Six Nations visit two years ago.
“He has a continual desire to be better,” said Jones.
“He’s not only improved his speed, he’s improved his ability to catch in the air.
“And we haven’t seen the best of him yet.”