Eddie Jones insists he has ‘NO regrets’ about his tactics during Six Nations loss to Scotland as England head coach vows his side ‘to light up’ Italy on Sunday… but it’ll be without flanker Lewis Ludlam
- England’s Six Nations campaign began with a frustrating 20-17 loss at Scotland
- England head coach Eddie Jones was criticised for his substitutions during game
- Jones is looking for his side to bounce back when they travel to Italy on Sunday
- They’ll be without Lewis Ludlam who suffered a rib injury in the Scotland defeat
- Fit-again Joe Launchbury has been called up to the squad to replace Ludlam
Defiant Eddie Jones insisted he has ‘no regrets’ about his tactical decisions during England’s Calcutta Cup defeat in Scotland.
Jones came under fire for a series of management decisions, including the call to bring off No 10 Marcus Smith whilst leading 17-10.
The head coach fired back at his critics, while recalling veteran lock Joe Launchbury for the round-two trip to Italy.
Eddie Jones has hit back at critics for his decision making during England’s loss at Scotland
The decision to replace Marcus Smith (left) for George Ford was roundly criticised post-match
‘We’ve drawn a line in the sand and our aim is to light up Rome this weekend,’ said Jones. ‘Like any young team, it’s not a linear progression. You have your ups and downs.
‘I’m the best coach in the world with hindsight. I’ve done a few TV commentaries and I was the smartest coach in the world. I made a decision on game day and I don’t have any regrets. I don’t look back. I’m looking forward to Italy.’
Bolstering England’s experience stock, Launchbury will replace injured flanker Lewis Ludlam and could play his first Test since 2020. He will also provide cover for lock Courtney Lawes, who remains doubtful with a head injury. However, centre Manu Tuilagi will not make an immediate Test return after making his comeback for Sale.
‘Lewis Ludlam has a rib injury and will be out for the next couple of weeks,’ said Jones.
‘Courtney is progressing nicely – he’s started lifting and running – but the most important thing is his welfare. Unless he’s able to train fully tomorrow then the likelihood of him being ready for Italy is less than 50 per cent. We’ll continue to monitor Manu’s progress… we need to get a bit more game time into him.’
Lewis Ludlam has been ruled out of England’s Six Nations clash with Italy due to a rib injury
Wasps’ Joe Launchbury has been included in the squad to replace him ahead of the Rome trip
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk