7msports > Rugby Video > Jones: 'England selection not dictated by tradition'

Jones: 'England selection not dictated by tradition'

Saturday, February 13 2016 by SNTV
  • Head coach Eddie Jones has made three changes to his England side for the Six Nations trip to Rome this weekend with Courtney Lawes, Mako Vunipola and Ben Youngs all coming into the starting XV to face Italy. Uncapped Saracens lock Maro Itoje has been named on the bench.

    SOUNDBITE (English) Eddie Jones, England head coach (on his three changes to the starting XV):

    "We always pick a 23-(man squad) so for each position all we've done is changed the batting order and suits the sort of game we want to play against Italy. We were happy with Joe Marler's performance, Joe Launchbury was a bit off-colour and so we'll give Courtney (Lawes) an opportunity and Joe will finish the game. And Ben Youngs, you know, we want to play a particular way at the start of the game and at the end of the game so it suits starting with Ben and finishing with Danny (Care)."

    SOUNDBITE (English) Eddie Jones, England head coach (on picking Maro Itoje for the bench):

    "He's a young kid, he's got a good head on his shoulders. He's like a Vauxhall Viva now so we want to make him into a BMW, he's got a lot of work to do but he's got potential."

    Journalist: "Is there a possibility he'll get some miles on the clock on Sunday?"

    Jones: "Let's hope so, there's a possibility, it's a possibility!"

    SOUNDBITE (English) Eddie Jones, England head coach (asked about selecting six forwards on the bench and only two backs):

    "You can answer it mate! I've got no worries. We've got a six-two split, why do you have to go five-three? Who says you have to go five-three? We might go seven-one next week. There's no reason to say you have to go five-three. Tradition says you go five-three. Last week we needed more forwards off the bench. We had more forwards off the bench last week because of the sort of game we played and the way we wanted to finish stronger. So we're not set by traditions. Next week we might go seven-one! Then you'll have a hard question to ask."

Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.