Eddie Jones unrepentant after demanding England bring brutality to 'Le Crunch'

England are intent on tearing into France after Eddie Jones stuck by his pledge to unleash “brutal physicality”, despite local indignation over the language he has used.

Jones is unrepentant after demanding his World Cup runners-up launch their Six Nations title pursuit with a display of savage intensity in Paris on Sunday.

Upset has been caused in rugby circles on this side of The Channel by the use of the word “brutal”, which when translated into French has explicit connotations of violence.

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When it was pointed out to Jones the shock his words had caused, the England head said: “Well, that wasn’t the intention but the game is violent, isn’t it?

“It’s a brutal, physically aggressive game. We saw in the World Cup final how important aggression is.

“It’s going to be the same on Sunday, so I apologise if it’s been interpreted in the wrong way. You should translate it in a better way.

“I’m just saying how I want us to play rugby. Someone asked me how we were going to play, what do you want me to say? We’re going to have a cup of tea?

“It’s what rugby is about and has been ever since I started watching the game and it will be for as long as I watch the game.

“It’s a physical, confrontational game and your aim is to be brutal on the gainline. You either win or lose on the gainline and that will be the case on Sunday.

“England v France always are ferocious games. It’s nicknamed ‘Le Crunch’ and there’s a reason for that – it’s a great rivalry and a historical rivalry.

“It’s a battle for supremacy. We’re looking forward to it and I’m sure France are as well.

“It’s a tough game and we intend to play tough on Sunday. French teams never have been shy and never will be. So we’re expecting that.”

The Stade de France showdown will be England’s first outing since they were flattened 32-12 by South Africa in the World Cup final three months ago.

In the weeks leading up to the Yokohama showpiece they had blazed a trail through the tournament and Jones admits the wound inflicted by collapsing at the final hurdle will never fully heal.