Eddie Jones Takes Aim At Ireland’s Playing Style

by Jason Hennessy ·
Published February 23, 2016
· Updated February 23, 2016

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Eddie Jones compared the kicking style of rugby employed by Ireland to Aussie Rules last week. 

The England head coach noted that if his side can manage to win the aerial battle against Ireland in their RBS Six Nations tie this Saturday, they will have stand a great chance of winning at Twickenham. 

We’ve got to win the Aussie Rules contest. 

That is the first thing we have got to do.  They kick 60pc of their possession.  If we can win that Aussie Rules battle, we will go a long way to winning the game. 

Jones has gone a further step this week by implying that Ireland in fact kick away 70pc of their possession rather than 60pc.  The former Japan coach also added his dislike for Ireland’s style. 

They kick 70 per cent of their ball away.  If they want to do that, good luck to them.  It has worked for them.  It is not the way I think you should play rugby but it has been successful for them, so good luck. 

While Ireland have been known to utilise their kicking game, it’s absurd to suggest that they kick away 70pc of their possession.  There is one fact however that is indisputable – this weekend’s game is gonna be an absolute cracker.