1
Eddie Jones: Woodward's comments 'disrespectful to players'
By Ian Cameron
England head coach Eddie Jones has hit back at comments made by his predecessor, Sir Clive Woodward, who claimed England's style of play is 'boring' and that spectators are losing interest.
Woodward hasn't been the only person to call out Northern Hemisphere rugby as lacking in recent months - practically the whole sport has been bemoaning the kick heavy tactics used during the Autumn Nations Cup, which barring a few rare incidents, failed to ignite as a spectacle.
England in particular, who have kicked and tackled teams into submission, have drawn fire for their dull style of play.
"Way too many [matches] are complete yawns, perversely punctuated by the occasional thrilling moment which makes you wonder what on earth was going on in the other 79 minutes," wrote Woodward in his Daily Mail column. "For the first time I can remember, teams with prime possession no longer want the ball. Teams with sensational runners and counter-attackers have virtually given up doing what they do best.
"People don't pay good money to watch this nonsense and if we were allowed crowds at games they would be making the teams and players aware. Ultimately, the consumer is king and rugby needs to remember that."
Jones has now hit back on Sky Sports, claiming Woodward's comments were disrespectful to the players.
"Everyone's entitled to their opinion. I don't think rugby is ever boring. I think rugby is such a fantastic sport and to say that is disrespectful to the players and disrespectful to the sport.
"The game's played in a number of different ways and can be won in a number of different ways, and I remember playing against England when we were mauled for 50 yards.
"I'm sure that wasn't boring at that time."
Jones also says that the return of fans to Twickenham was 'great for the sport'.
"I think it's great for the sport and that everyone can see we're moving back to normality."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Rassie Erasmus holds the solution to England's Jamie George conundrum
3
The Springboks have something you don't have
4
'I don't think Borthwick picks Willis even if he's playing in England'
5
Latest Comments
You’d hope so. The A game is good for the guys close to selection.
Must say I didn’t think Tom was a standout in the A game but it’s the only game I’ve watched him this season that he wasn’t.
Luke Reimer was a clear MoM from our perspective - hard to believe Tizzano, for all his effort, is considered a better option to back up FMR. He’s a world class breakdown threat, he’s a powerful defender, and his carrying has really stepped up.
Go to commentsto help the referee's decision, it seems he also deliberately push the ball directly in touch. But already the first yellow card and some penalties showed a lack of discipline.
Go to comments