Jones claims skipper had ‘lost edge’

Eddie Jones has revealed he brought off Owen Farrell at a critical phase of Saturday’s remarkable 38-38 draw due to England’s captain losing his “edge”.

Farrell was replaced by George Ford in the 71st minute with the climatic match of the 2019 Guinness Six Nations tied at 31-31 after the Scots had produced five unanswered tries to threaten the greatest comeback victory in Test history.

The Saracens fly-half had gifted two of those tries – to Stuart McInally and Finn Russell – and was also lucky to escape a card for a late shoulderled tackle on Darcy Graham.

Confessing his role in Scotland’s resurgence, Farrell admitted “we probably gifted them the momentum swing, me more than anyone” and it was Ford who crossed for the converted added-time try that spared England from humiliation.

“Owen lost a bit of his edge. He was just a little bit off his best and George Ford has been in exceptional form this week,” Jones told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Sportsweek programme.

“We know George is an excellent player who can bring something different to the table. We ended up getting a draw due to George’s brilliant play.

Collapses in the second half in Cardiff and against Scotland at Twickenham point to a mental fragility and Jones is ready to enlist outside help to find a solution.

“The All Blacks had this problem for eight years. It cost them two World Cups,” Jones said. “We know what the issue is and we know how to fix it.

“It’s just about getting the right personnel and staff in who can engage the players in conversation and allow them to be honest in how they think under pressure.”

Owen Farrell: lucky to escape a card.