England 57-15 Ireland: Eddie Jones plays down Rugby World Cup chances

Last updated on .From the section Rugby Unioncomments165

Coach Eddie Jones has warned his England team that they are not ready to win the World Cup despite a record 57-15 win over Ireland.

The victory was the biggest winning margin and highest number of points scored in matches between the two.

"Our aim is to be the best side in the world, it always has been," Jones told BBC Sport.

"Are we moving in the right direction? Yes. Are we ready to win the World Cup now? No."

After running in eight tries against Ireland, England have nearly two weeks before they play Italy in their final warm-up match on 6 September at St James' Park.

Jones said that he is focusing on improving on England's failure to get out of their pool at the 2015 tournament.

"The only thing we are worried about are [Pool C opponents] Tonga, USA, France and Argentina. We have to get through those games," he added.

"The World Cup is about taking each game at a time and that is our only focus. They are the only teams in our mind."

England's first World Cup match in Japan is against Tonga in Sapporo on 22 September.

Jones said he was pleased by his players' intensity in their win over Ireland, who would have climbed to the top of the world rankings with victory.

However, he suggested that the scoreline might reflect their differing levels of preparedness for the World Cup rather than underlying quality. It was Ireland's second warm-up match while England have now played three.

Joe Cokanasiga
Joe Cokanasiga made his England debut against Japan in November

"This was a performance for the 80 minutes but we don't know where Ireland are in their preparation so it can be misleading," he added.

Wing Joe Cokanasiga scored two tries, his fourth and fifth in just seven Tests, after putting in an indifferent performance against Wales a week ago.

"It is important for young players to do that," said Jones.

"If they have a bad game they learn, they have to make sure they bounce back in the next game. He did that and used his strengths really well."

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165 comments

  • Comment posted by Kwittermess and the Bottomless Pit, at 08:19 25 Aug 2019

    17. Route1

    "England still need a great scrum half to orchestrate"

    Fully agree

    "Young’s is good but not great"

    Youngs was shocking yesterday. He missed simple passes and kicks from hand and his distribution was slow. Heinz improved matters but he's 'good' rather than great. Wonder what Care must now be thinking.

  • Comment posted by Aberarthian, at 08:00 25 Aug 2019

    Shaping up to be a potentially classic World Cup. NZ are still the side to beat but England, Wales, Australia or South Africa are hot on their heels. Bring it on!

  • Comment posted by kestrow, at 08:52 25 Aug 2019

    It was a very good English performance against a weakened Irish team. You still have people moaning about the performance BUT you can only play against the opposition ON the field NOT what the result MIGHT have been against a stronger opposition! Give the England players their due they played hard and with skill for the full eighty minutes.
    This from an Irish supporter!

  • Comment posted by short and curly, at 07:57 25 Aug 2019

    Selection for the Italy game must be a 2nd XV. Please save the back row and the strike runners. Heinze should start and captain from SH, as he is a leader and has the experience to change the style of play when required. Sorry, Ben Youngs, but you are my bench warmer.

  • Comment posted by 4291, at 08:11 25 Aug 2019

    Eddie is the coach you love if he’s coaching your team and dislike if he’s not. Was at the Wales England game last week and he booed every time he was shown on the big screen, just like a pantomime villain.

  • Comment posted by short and curly, at 07:46 25 Aug 2019

    Curry's pass to Daley was timed perfectly for the score, but the Irish centre's attempted tackle was atrocious. Citing?

  • Comment posted by TWG85, at 09:09 25 Aug 2019

    32 Paapaa

    Haha! Stick to football mate. You clearly have no idea about rugby if you think England aren’t contenders.

    I can’t wait for Fiji v Wales.

  • Comment posted by Theytakeusforfools, at 11:55 25 Aug 2019

    Lots of 'Facts' on here this morning, here's a few more;

    Nobody is guaranteed to win the WC,

    Winning a game today, guarantees nothing tomorrow,

    Form is temporary, class is permanent,

    and for real rugby fans all over the world,

    the camaraderie in person is soooooo much better than the tosh & trolls on this board,

    see you all in Japan!!!!!

  • Comment posted by bruce, at 11:03 25 Aug 2019

    94
    The Ben Young’s incident looks odd, but the ruck had not formed, so the ref deemed it open play, therefore the Irish player could not be offside. Young’s should have reacted to this by changing the play to the right and not throwing his hands up and appealing to the ref. School boy error on his part.

  • Comment posted by U17014481, at 08:39 25 Aug 2019

    @20. Finkelstein

    I don't believe NZ are the team to beat, they have been wobbling for two full seasons now and a win over the real Wobblies last game answers none of the issues they have. Rassies's Boks will be the real contenders, they will front with a formidable pack (as ever) , a world class half-back pairing and enough quality 11-15 to put most teams away, all if it all clicks for them.

  • Comment posted by Bertie Russell Drizzleflap, at 07:43 25 Aug 2019

    Would be one of the hot favourites for sure...some win yesterday alright,was expecting a typical Jones comment like this...he knows they are on form...can’t wait,not English but good luck to all

  • Comment posted by Tykesabroad, at 08:51 25 Aug 2019

    The power and pace of both Manu Tuilagi and Joe Coganasiga is a real weapon that no side will enjoy facing. Most important was that Curry and Underhill completely dominated the breakdown and we had quick ball....a proper ref who did not allow deliberate slowing of the ball as we all saw last week. A scrum and line out that made Ireland look very ordinary so a great base to work from. Owens 10/10.

  • Comment posted by Heyuindabush, at 08:15 25 Aug 2019

    Good win yesterday. I still have concerns as Jones continues to stubbornly pick players where they shouldn’t be. Youngs should be dropped and Daly is not a fullback.

  • Comment posted by Amurp, at 07:48 25 Aug 2019

    England are a top 5 rugby nation - they definitely have the talent but it has been there failure to adapt to opposition sides change in play that has been their downfall over the last 15 years. They need a core of players who can read the game on the pitch and change tactics accordingly. They need a "Matt Dawson" for 2019!

  • Comment posted by U6667875, at 08:50 25 Aug 2019

    @28, South Acricans???? That moment when you try and troll on an England forum and fail, now that's hilarious

  • Comment posted by loverugby, at 08:37 25 Aug 2019

    Eddie trying to keep a lid on it. The stand out performance in these World Cup warm up games. Next match was supposed to be the slaughter. Should give the second team a run out now and wrap this pack in cotton wool. Not hearing many comments from the trolls, a bit shell shocked?

  • Comment posted by Blott, at 08:32 25 Aug 2019

    @ 21

    I can’t believe Danny Care has been dropped, he’s a proper cheeky fast scrum half who can change a game

    I say this as a Welsh fan, Care would cause us more problems than Young’s or Heinz

  • Comment posted by peterwinchester, at 09:04 25 Aug 2019

    Underhill’s tackle on Furlong summed it up perfectly.

  • Comment posted by U3246151, at 10:31 25 Aug 2019

    Jones is right to be cautious (no doubt interpreted as sneering arrogance etc etc). England were on top form yesterday and Ireland were plainly a bit rusty. Play that game again next week England would probably win but it would be tight!

    The Curry/Underhill combo looks electric and despite the tedious refrain of "powerplay", England's backs looked pacy and creative.

    Time will tell!

  • Comment posted by Theytakeusforfools, at 10:17 25 Aug 2019

    England fans, enjoy it, love it.

    Ireland fans, forget it, park it.

    A one - off, counts for nothing, run out.

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