VIDEO: Jones knows what to expect from Rassie's Boks
JUNE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones will look to be ‘more creative’ against a very ‘predictable’ South Africa when the two countries go head-to-head in a three-Test series this month.
England arrived in South Africa on Sunday, ahead of the three-Test series – starting in Johannesburg next Saturday (June 9), followed by matches in Bloemfontein (June 16) and Cape Town (June 23).
The Boks are coming off a demoralising loss to Wales, while England is looking to bounce back from a disastrous Six Nations – where they finished second from last, after winning just two of their games.
England coach Eddie Jones admitted he has learnt some harsh lessons about himself and his team this year.
“When you win you learn, when you lose you learn,” a philosophical Jones said, adding: “It is just easier to win from defeats.
“The reality is we didn’t perform at the level we wanted to [in the Six Nations and against the Barbarians].
“What I found is that I probably lost a bit of my imagination.
“Sometimes you just have to sit back and think: ‘What is the solution’.
“The important part is how we respond now.”
Jones said what is driving this English team is that they can become the first English team to win a series in South Africa.
* Article continues below video!
He suggested that their hosts are very predictable.
“[Bok coach] Rassie [Erasmus] a has a very distinctive way he coaches his team,” Jones said.
“They are very defence based, they usually kick a lot, [they have] a strong set piece and [are] meticulous in their analytic preview of the opposition.
“We have to make sure we create a few surprises for them and get them out of their comfort zone.
“Everything is geared towards the South Africans winning – You have to be prepared to be robust, adaptable and focused.”
* Meanwhile RugbyPass reports that Owen Farrell will thrive as England captain, according to Saracens teammate Maro Itoje.
Farrell will lead England’s tour of South Africa this month with regular skipper Dylan Hartley ruled out due to concussion.
The Saracens fly-half first captained Eddie Jones’ side during the Six Nations against France, and Itoje believes the “smart” 26-year-old raises his level when given the added responsibility.
“I think Owen plays better when he’s captain. He normally speaks well, but I think he speaks better as captain,” Itoje explained.
“He has a holistic approach to the game. I haven’t met many, if any, smarter rugby players than him. I know for a fact, having played under him before, that he is going to do very well in the role.”
@rugby365com & RugbyPass
