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England's Slam chance in Ireland like a World Cup final - Jones

England coach Eddie Jones with his team

England’s crunch Six Nations clash against Ireland when they have the chance to complete back-to-back Grand Slams is like a Rugby World Cup final, says head coach Eddie Jones.

A 61-21 demolition of rivals Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday means England can secure consecutive Slams by beating the Irish in Dublin this weekend.

No team has managed to achieve such a feat since France in 1997 and 1998 (when the tournament had only five teams) and the scale of the achievement is not lost on head coach Jones.

“It’s great for us, a great opportunity and a great experience,” he said in an interview with Sky Sports. 

“You know, we’re building towards a World Cup and it’s like a World Cup final, it’s winner takes all.

“To have this experience is only positive for us.”

England are monitoring the fitness of winger Elliot Daly ahead of the trip to the Aviva Stadium.

Daly suffered concussion after a dangerous dump tackle from Fraser Brown, who was cited for the incident.

“Elliot is coming along well but you never know with these sort of things,” Jones added. “Every day he’s getting tested, every day he’s improving and we’re very hopeful he’ll play. 

“Aside from that we’re pretty good. We’ll still pick the squad as we normally do, if he’s not right we’ve got plenty of good replacements, outstanding replacements. 

“We want Elliot to be right, but if he’s not we move on.”

Jones also added that he expects British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland to be in attendance and told his players the best way to get on the plane to New Zealand is to impress against Ireland.

“I’m sure he’ll [Gatland] be there with a pint of Guinness enjoying himself,” he said. 

“The players know if they play well they’ll get picked. They have to play well for us to get picked, that’s all they need to worry about.”

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M
Mitch 41 minutes ago
Who is telling the truth about France's tour of New Zealand?

The background to this narrative makes for essential reading. In 2020, World Rugby shifted the mid-year international window from June to July, precisely to avoid this kind of clash between the club and international versions of the game. Prior to Covid-19 epidemic, the previous two Top 14 finals were played out on 2nd June 2018 and 15th June 2019. The dates for the past four Top 14 finals have progressively extended the club season to the point it is once again invasive: from 25th June in 2021 to 28th June in 2024 and 2025. Wherever the international game gave ground, the Top 14 responded by making another land-grab.

This is France sticking 2 fingers up at World Rugby and the Southern Hemisphere. Australia, New Zealand and South Africa field their strongest teams when they take on France. The result of this is all 3 countries being involved in thrilling Tests played in France during November series across 2021 and 2022.


Sadly, France will never reciprocate. They'll just alter the date of the Top 14 final to avoid testing themselves in the cauldron that is Test rugby in New Zealand, South Africa and once upon a time, Australia.


Kiwi pundits and fans are right to be cranky about this but they should express their disappointment every time France bring a 2nd or 3rd string team to this part of the world, not just when it impacts them.


New Zealand winning all 3 Teats by a cricket score is likely and will do this July window no good in the shadows of a Lions series that might not be close and a South African July itinerary that won’t exactly be pulsating.

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