EDDIE Jones’ use of mind games ahead of the All Blacks showdown is a calculated effort to pit England as plucky underdogs.
The England boss won back to back Grand Slams in the Six Nations in 2016 and 2017 but his tenure, which began in 2015, will ultimately be judged on how his side fare against the reigning world champions in Saturday’s semi-final, England’s first in 12 years.
Speaking at his pre-New Zealand press conference, Jones made every attempt to heap the pressure on the Kiwis and more importantly, take it off his own side.
“We don’t have any pressure. No one thinks we can win. There are 120 million Japanese people out there whose second team are the All Blacks,
“So there’s no pressure on us, we’ve just got to have a great week. We need to train hard and enjoy this great opportunity we’ve got, whereas they’ve got to be thinking about how they’re looking for their third World Cup and so that brings some pressure,” added Jones.
New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen, however, has responded with mind games of his own and is adamant that the pressure is not solely on the All Blacks, as Eddie Jones has claimed.
“Eddie and I both know that all is fair in love and war,” Hansen said.
“There is nothing better in war than throw a wee distraction out that you guys (media) can’t resist.
Hansen continued: “It is only a mind game if you buy into it. We are not buying into it. It has allowed us to have a good laugh. I am chuckling away,
“The reality is, both team’s have got pressure on them. It’s about how you deal with it. Eddie is throwing a bit of clickbait out there but really it’s about trying to take the pressure off his own team.”
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 live’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast, kiwi sports journalist Jim Kayes gave his thoughts on the mind games between the two:
“Steve Hansen has said that this match won’t define either team. I think he’s blowing smoke, this team will define both teams,
“Maybe less so for Steve because he’s already won a World Cup but for Eddie Jones and England, if they don’t win then, rightly or wrongly, the four years will be deemed a failure.” he said.
The All Blacks’ demolition of Ireland last Saturday will be fresh in the mind of Eddie Jones ahead of Saturday’s semi-final crunch match in Yokohama. The Red Roses will be desperate not to endure the same fate.
England v New Zealand takes place at 9am on Saturday morning, the winner will face either South Africa or Wales in the grand final on 2nd November.