ENGLAND HEAD COACH Eddie Jones is calling attention to Ireland’s fondness for the Garryowen before the Six Nations leaders host the champions in Twickenham on Saturday week.
Andrew Matthews
Andrew Matthews
The Australian claims Joe Schmidt’s side ‘kick 60% of their ball’ and is preparing his side for an Aussie Rules contest to take the third and biggest step towards a potential Grand Slam.
“If we can win that Aussie Rules battle, we will go a long way to winning the game. Ireland are a clever side and one of the best-coached sides in the world. They’ve decided to go that route, it works for them. Far be it from me to criticise it.”
However, the former Japan coach’s ’60%’ stat over-shoots the actual figures put down in play by Ireland in this campaign by some distance.
In the draw against Wales, Jonathan Sexton kicked the ball seven times in play, carried seven times and passed 24 times. An individual kick rate of 18% from the out-half which rises to 34% against France.
“Look, we haven’t played anyone yet,” he said looking back on the 9 – 40 win away to Italy.
“We haven’t done anything yet this season, let’s be honest about it. The tests are to come. I want to be respectful, but we were playing Italy on Sunday.
“We’re playing against Ireland on Saturday week and they’re the benchmark of European rugby. It’s a step up because we’re going from one tier to the other. That’s the reality – Ireland are in the top tier of European rugby.”
England coach Jones preparing for 'Aussie Rules battle' with Ireland
ENGLAND HEAD COACH Eddie Jones is calling attention to Ireland’s fondness for the Garryowen before the Six Nations leaders host the champions in Twickenham on Saturday week.
The Australian claims Joe Schmidt’s side ‘kick 60% of their ball’ and is preparing his side for an Aussie Rules contest to take the third and biggest step towards a potential Grand Slam.
“They kick 60% of their possession,” Jones told TheGuardian.com.
“If we can win that Aussie Rules battle, we will go a long way to winning the game. Ireland are a clever side and one of the best-coached sides in the world. They’ve decided to go that route, it works for them. Far be it from me to criticise it.”
However, the former Japan coach’s ’60%’ stat over-shoots the actual figures put down in play by Ireland in this campaign by some distance.
In the draw against Wales, Jonathan Sexton kicked the ball seven times in play, carried seven times and passed 24 times. An individual kick rate of 18% from the out-half which rises to 34% against France.
The figure can be swollen to around the 60% mark if you weigh the kicks from all across the back-line against Sexton’s personal number of possessions. Ireland’s total rate of kicking in possession was 23% against Wales and 24% against France.
“Look, we haven’t played anyone yet,” he said looking back on the 9 – 40 win away to Italy.
“We haven’t done anything yet this season, let’s be honest about it. The tests are to come. I want to be respectful, but we were playing Italy on Sunday.
“We’re playing against Ireland on Saturday week and they’re the benchmark of European rugby. It’s a step up because we’re going from one tier to the other. That’s the reality – Ireland are in the top tier of European rugby.”
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