Eddie Jones has reacted to a glut of tries being scored during the 2022/23 Premiership season by warning his players that they face the axe if they are vulnerable in defence.
The opening three rounds of England’s top flight competition saw 141 tries being scored, but Jones is not impressed by such impressive attacking statistics as he prepares for an autumn Test campaign that includes matches against the All Blacks and Springboks.
Backline players in particular have been told that neglecting their defensive duties in pursuit of tries could see them being dropped.
“The commitment to make a tackle is important in rugby and the players that we select will have to be committed to make them. Players that don’t won’t get picked,” said Jones.
“You saw how important it was in the Rugby Championship and on the summer tours, especially now that the ball is spread more than two passes only 30 per cent of the time.
Defensive backs are important
“The ability to make an effective tackle not only stops the opposition going forward, but also creates a transition opportunity or a turnover opportunity, so backs who can take the legs away from the opposition are so important.
“We will be looking for players that are productive with the ball and without the ball.”
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England‘s start their end-of-year campaign against Argentina on November 6 and there is a possibility that Manu Tuilagi could play his first Test of the year.
The powerful Sale Sharks centre limped off early in England’s win over the Springboks with a hamstring injury incurred while crossing for a try and he missed the Six Nations with issues to the same muscle before being missing the tour to Australia because of a knee problem.
“Manu is in a good spot at the moment. He has been working hard at getting the balance of his preparations right, his body weight is good, his skinfolds are good,” added Jones.
“He probably hasn’t been as effective in the games as he would have liked, but it’s early in the season and there are some good signs at the moment.”