Jones, who led England from 2016 to 2022, questions whether the Rugby Football Union (RFU) may have influenced Borthwick’s comments.On March 14th in Paris, we want to be in a position for that match where we can achieve what we all seek.
Steve Borthwick, coach.
Jones suggests that the pressure from the RFU, in a bid to attract fans and generate revenue, may have led to these comments. According to Jones, this could have affected the players’ mentality, who, upon reading and hearing these comments, may have begun to anticipate the match against France, losing focus on the previous encounters. Jones also points out that the defeat against Scotland, where England conceded an initial 17-0 disadvantage, left a mental scar that carried over to the match against Ireland. They were caught off guard against Scotland… That was an exception, but now that exception has entered their psyche. They are disappointed with their situation and now feel a bit threatened. Jones emphasizes the need for leadership, both on and off the field, to reverse this situation.Steve made very uncharacteristic comments about a decisive match against France, looking to the future. Steve is the most pragmatic and intelligent coach one could know, but looking to the future for any team is dangerous. We all know that.
Eddie Jones, former coach.
