Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

'It changes how people feel, that's the greatest joy' - Jones challenges England to inspire country

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Friday, 01 November 2019 02:30

England head coach Eddie Jones has challenged his players to "inspire the whole country" by beating South Africa in the World Cup final on Saturday.

England face the Springboks in Yokohama (09:00 GMT) and Jones says he knows from his time in charge of Japan how performances can alter a nation's mood.

"There's a bit of a rugby fever going on [back in England]," he said.

"For a period of time it changes how people feel about themselves, and that's the greatest joy."

England go into Saturday's final having dominated Australia in the quarter-finals and then produced a superb display to beat three-time winners New Zealand in the last four.

At the 2015 tournament, Jones masterminded arguably the biggest upset in rugby union history as his Japan side beat South Africa - champions in 1995 and 2007 - in the pool stage.

"If I look back at Japan and look at the growth of rugby in Japan from what we did in 2015, it's spectacular.

"People in Japan love rugby now, they didn't before. You've got this opportunity to change people's lives through the ability to play rugby, and that's a gift.

"Mums are telling kids: 'Play rugby. Be the next [England props] Kyle Sinckler or Ellis Genge.'"

Jones succeeded Stuart Lancaster after England's dismal performance at their home World Cup in 2015, and the coach says his side have "evolved their style" over the past four years.

He has named an unchanged team for the final against South Africa, who have received some criticism for their physical, confrontational style during this World Cup.

"I wanted to develop a power style as England have tough, big players," said the 59-year-old Australian.

"We will be tested on Saturday as we are playing against the other most powerful team in the world.

"[The players] have evolved the style of play, they have evolved the tactics they play with and they own the game. So they are really proud of how they play.

"I said when I first took over the job - my job's to become redundant. And I'm almost redundant now. The team's running the team, which is how it should be."

Jones insists rugby is a 23-man game and expects the replacements' benches to have a big influence on Saturday's showpiece, including the Springboks' "6-2 split" allowing them to change almost their whole forwards line-up during the match.

"There is a massive emphasis on the finishing side," said Jones. "I see it as everyone has a role in that 23, like everyone does in the 31.

"We are confident in our bench, in our finishers.

"They have a good pack. We know what's coming and it's about manning up and dealing with it.

"If you look at the players who they can bring on, they have points at the end of the game."

Read 358 times

Soccer

Source: Ex-Bucks owner nearing NC Courage deal

Source: Ex-Bucks owner nearing NC Courage deal

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFormer Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry is close to a deal to buy a...

Flick: Early red changed game 'totally' for Barca

Flick: Early red changed game 'totally' for Barca

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBarcelona coach Hansi Flick felt Eric García's early red card was t...

'He's a cat': Raya praised for stunning double save

'He's a cat': Raya praised for stunning double save

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsArsenal goalkeeper David Raya was hailed by his manager Mikel Artet...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Is continuity enough to get the Bucks back into title contention?

Is continuity enough to get the Bucks back into title contention?

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsA few days after the official start of NBA free agency this summer,...

Philly mayor strikes deal with 76ers for new arena

Philly mayor strikes deal with 76ers for new arena

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPHILADELPHIA -- The 76ers have a new teammate in their bid to build...

Baseball

Jays' Gausman (back) pulled after 5 no-hit innings

Jays' Gausman (back) pulled after 5 no-hit innings

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsARLINGTON, Texas -- Kevin Gausman pitched five no-hit innings befor...

Ohtani eclipses 50 steals, two HRs shy of 50-50

Ohtani eclipses 50 steals, two HRs shy of 50-50

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMIAMI -- Shohei Ohtani stole his 50th base in the first inning agai...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated