Share

Jones 'happy to play All Blacks tomorrow'

accreditation
Eddie Jones (Getty)
Eddie Jones (Getty)

Cape Town - England boss Eddie Jones said his team would be happy to face the All Blacks tomorrow, though he feels they’re “miles behind” the world champions.

Jones' side won’t face New Zealand until 2018, though the British and Irish Lions will be touring the country next season.

The former Wallabies and Japan coach has been adamant his goal was to make England the world’s number one side, after rising to second with a series win over Australia this month.

"I don't control that fixture," Jones told the ARU's official wenbsite.

"I'd be happy to play the All Blacks tomorrow.” 

With nine straight wins to begin his England coaching tenure, Jones said the next challenge was to ensure his team didn’t fall into complacency.

“You can never take [your foot] off (the pedal),” he added.

“As soon as you take it off, you get weak. We can't afford to get weak, we need to be strong because we want to be the number one team in the world.

“We're miles away from All Blacks so we've got to keep improving. The players can enjoy themselves and they will.

“They'll obviously enjoy the victory but it's important that they understand they've got to keep getting better.”

Jones is not exempt from that improvement, heading over to join Team Orica Green Edge in the Tour de France to pick up some extra tips from the cycling team in the Tour de France.

“If our side's not consistent then our coaching's not good enough so I've got to get better, our coaching staff's got to get better,” explained Jones.

“Our next to months is about us getting better and then how we plan our strategy going forward.”

Jones will be studying videos from the recent U20s World Championship, which England won, and said standout players from that side could win an extended squad contract for next season.

With their next Test against South Africa in October, Jones said the Springboks would be their main focus.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1160 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1356 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2060 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE