Monitoring Desk
Eddie Jones says last-round Six Nations opponents Ireland have a psychological advantage over his “vulnerable” England side.
England secured the Six Nations title with an 18th consecutive Test win – level with New Zealand’s best – after despatching Scotland 61-21 at Twickenham.
Jonathan Joseph scored three tries and Owen Farrell kicked 26 points as England equalled the record winning margin against Scotland with the highest points haul against their neighbours.
Not since England in 1992-93 has a team claimed back-to-back clean sweeps in the championship, and Jones and his players are hungry to achieve that feat in Dublin next weekend.
“We’ve got a fantastic opportunity,” said Jones. “It [would] mean for the players they’ve achieved greatness.
“How many times in your life do you get to be great? It’s exciting. They’re in the dressing room now talking about it. They want to do it.”
reland, on St Patrick’s Day weekend, can be party poopers and Jones, who is unbeaten in 17 Tests in charge, says England are “vulnerable”.
“Ireland, psychologically, are in a very strong position,” said the Australian. “They’re beaten, they’re out of the tournament and they love spoiling parties.
“And the party they’d love to spoil the most is the England party. They’ve got an enormous amount of psychological advantage.
“We’re vulnerable, because we’ve won, we’re champions of the Six Nations. We’re going to have to work really hard to get ourselves right for the game. And we will.”
