England’s gamers and training quantity two Richard Wigglesworth have had no contact with Felix Jones forward of Saturday’s conflict with South Africa regardless of his inside data of the Springboks.
Jones resigned as defence coach in August however Steve Borthwick said final month that he’s getting used to offer evaluation of the opposition all through the autumn amid uncertainty over the date he’ll formally depart the position.
One of many recreation’s brightest coaches, Jones helped South Africa win back-to-back World Cups earlier than becoming a member of Borthwick’s administration group 11 months in the past.
His determination to depart with out having another job lined up despatched shockwaves via the camp, with Joe El Abd taking cost of the defence at brief discover whereas nonetheless employed as boss of French membership Oyonnax.
Steve Borthwick is making ready England for Saturday’s match in opposition to South Africa (David Davies/PA)
England have misplaced to New Zealand and Australia already this autumn and must topple the Springboks to avoid wasting the marketing campaign, with Japan the ultimate guests to Twickenham every week later.
No Contact
“We don’t have any contact with Felix. I’m not sure if the coaches do or not,” centre Henry Slade mentioned.
“We’ve been working with Joe and our defensive leaders, trying to set the defence and the team up to defend as well as possible.”
Wigglesworth was promoted to the put up of senior assistant coach earlier than the Autumn Nations Collection however Borthwick’s right-hand man mentioned he didn’t know if Jones was supplying evaluation packages.
England fell to an agonising extra time defeat by Australia (David Davies/PA)
When requested if Jones continues to be employed by England, Wigglesworth replied: “I wouldn’t be capable of let you know. I’ve not spoken to him.
Behind the Scenes
“I know he’s working for us – behind the scenes that is – but I haven’t spoken to him.”
England and South Africa each identify their groups on Thursday with the Springboks anticipated to proceed their coverage of loading their bench with forwards to take full benefit of the depth of their pack sources.
For Sunday’s 32-15 victory over Scotland, they introduced on seven pairs of contemporary legs up entrance to strengthen their assault on Murrayfield within the second half. The draw back to the tactic is that harm might depart them uncovered within the backs.
“It’s really impressive to watch – I really enjoy that someone is pushing the envelope. I always enjoy something that’s different, so full credit to them,” Wigglesworth mentioned.
“They’ve got personnel they’re really happy to do it with and the risks involved they fully accept and get behind. They have made it work for them.”
England are enjoying to keep away from a fifth successive defeat that threatens to proceed an autumn of discontent.
“We know what international sport is. It’s a results business. There’s loads of people watching, loads of people really care,” Wigglesworth mentioned.
“No one wants to win more than us. We want to send everyone home happy and we want everyone at home watching to love it, to be excited about what we’re doing, but ultimately watch England in.”
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Author : rugby365
Publish date : 2024-11-13 15:08:00
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