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'You can almost laugh it off': England are full of confidence under Eddie Jones
By AAP
England hooker Jamie George has sung the praises of coach Eddie Jones, saying the veteran mentor has filled his players with such confidence they can now simply laugh off external criticism.
Jones enters the three-Test series against the Wallabies as a man under pressure following a string of recent poor results for England.
A disastrous tour of Australia could prove to be the end for Jones.
But the 62-year-old is taking it all in his stride, so much so that some England players don't even know the pressure Jones is under.
"It is probably a sign of the coach Eddie is that he doesn't put that on us at all," George said when asked about the intense heat on Jones.
"I was almost weirdly surprised about you saying that. He takes it all on himself.
"He is the kind of coach that when you are winning he allows the players to go and enjoy that moment, and when you are losing he takes it all on himself.
"He is driving us in the same respect he always has done. He is preparing us in the way he always has done. That is the sign of a great coach."
Jones enjoys a perfect 8-0 record against the Wallabies while coach of England.
Having that sort of edge over Australia is a massive boost to England's confidence heading into the first Test at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
George spoke glowingly about the direct influence Jones has had on the confidence level of each player under his watch.
"You walk taller knowing that ... whenever anyone questions you, you can almost laugh it off because we know when the time comes we'll be right," George said.
"This Test he has prepared us incredibly well, we're all incredibly excited to be here.
"It gives you huge confidence and that comes from knowing that all the hard work is to come and we'll be ready for it when the time comes."
England swept the Wallabies 3-0 during their last tour of Australia in 2016 and a repeat result would instantly ease the pressure on Jones.
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Latest Comments
No but you can do a lot with a turd to grow the next crop. Look I obviously don't rate Gatland as much of a coach, I'm just saying that they need to spend something on someone who can bring some players through or get something out of the old crop that can set a better footing for next bunch.
Gatland might not be worth whatever he's getting paid, but if you're still not getting the same elsewhere for half of that they've got to pay what they need to pay. It's as simple as that. The problem is theres no indication theyre going to lay down some ground work for the next bunch. I thought it ridiculous the comment I heard that Gatland has to deliver a trophy next season, when it shouldn't be able that at all.
They're only going to get out of this by investing in the game, and that means spending money, which is about the only credit they get out of this decision.
Go to commentsYes actually! That is a great description of a lot of Bull Sharks posts and that's the wiff I got!
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