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Eddie Jones defends Owen Farrell tackle

Cape Town - England coach Eddie Jones has defended star playmaker Owen Farrell over his controversial tackle technique following the victory over Australia on Saturday. 

The Wallabies believe they should have been awarded a penalty try for Farrell's try-saving tackle on Izack Rodda, where the England number ten appeared to lead with his shoulder and not wrap his arms around the opponent. 

It was similar to the England co-captain's tackle on Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen in the opening November international that also went unpunished. 

But Jones has backed his talisman after Cheika had described the decision not to penalise Farrell as 'ludicrous'. 

"The referee said it was good. When he says it's not good, we'll have a chat about it," Jones told Sky Sports. 

"When you hit people hard, you place yourself at risk. And he hits people hard. I like people being hit hard. 

"There's a judgement area all the time. Obviously we want to be within the laws. Owen doesn't try to tackle outside of the laws so he'll keep on working on that." 

Another England player to have caught the eye this month has been Joe Cokanasiga, who scored his second try for his country in only his second appearance during the win over the Wallabies. 

Meanwhile, Jones has played down comparisons of Joe Cokanasiga to the late Jonah Lomu after the Bath wing came within inches of scoring a fantastic solo effort at Twickenham. 

"Lomu nearly won a World Cup for New Zealand. When Joe nearly wins a World Cup for us, then you can start talking about Lomu. 

"We took a punt on Joe to come through and he has done exceptionally well. The big thing now is how hard he works on his game. 

"He's got to go back to his club Bath and work hard. He has to be absolutely brilliant at the basics. If he does that, he's got a chance to see his career flourishing, but like every young player you need guidance."

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