Jones fires warning ahead of summer tour of Australia
England coach Eddie Jones has issued a warning to some of his Grand Slam winning squad that they risk missing out on this summer’s tour to Australia if they can not rediscover their form in the domestic form of the game. The Australian has been disappointed with certain individual’s performances at club level since returning from their successful Six Nations campaign with England. The former Japan coach has now made it clear in no uncertain terms that players must be playing to the best of their ability to be involved down under.
England face off against old foes Wales at Twickenham in May before head to Australia to complete a three test series against the Wallabies. Despite failing to mention individual names, Jones has certainly ruffled feathers with his latest comments. England lost to Australia in a crucial World Cup fixture at the end of last year, with former boss Stuart Lancaster at the helm, and will head to the Southern Hemisphere with a point to prove. Despite their recent success under the new leadership of Jones, this summer is set to provide a much clearer indication of just how far England have come.
Many will be surprised by Jones’ comments, with English rugby dominating the European game this season at all levels. Three of the last four teams in the Champions Cup are from the Aviva Premiership, with Saracens, Wasps and Leicester all battling it out for a place at the final in May. Bookmakers Coral make Saracens and French side Racing 92 as the joint favourites with matching odds of 7/4. For those of you who enjoy a flutter on matches, why not add a £20 free bet to that too here.
Meanwhile, Leinster man Ben Te’o is one man who could force his way into contention this summer as a result of performances this term. The Rugby League convert is in discussions with the RFU over his eligibility to represent England, with the New Zealand born centre heading to Worcester Warriors at the end of this campaign. With rules stipulating that players based outside of England are unable to represent their country, the former team mate of Sam Burgess at the South Sydney Rabbitoh’s would need exceptional circumstances to clear his selection.
Jones certainly faces some selection headaches come the summer, especially within the back line. The returning Henry Slade, as well as the continued resurgence of Manu Tuilagi means that the 10/12 combination of George Ford and Owen Farrell could come under threat. Slade’s Exeter Chiefs will be looking secure a place in the Premiership play-offs for the first time, after a defeat to Gloucester on Friday night meant they were made to wait to claim such a prize. The Chiefs are 10/3 third favourites with Coral to go all the way this season and claim a historic title. With Saracens and Wasps seen as the more likely victors, the use of free bets could well be the way to go when backing Rob Baxter’s men.
