Sports

Jones to love ‘pantomime villain’ role against England

Eddie Jones will be happy performing the role of pantomime villain when he plots England’s downfall at Twickenham, according to prop Ellis Genge.

Former Wallabies boss Jones faces England at Twickenham for the first time since he was sacked in 2022 and the 64-year-old returns under a cloud because of claims made about his management style during his seven years in charge.

Former England scrum-half Danny Care earlier this month described the environment Australian Jones created as “toxic”, adding that his reign was like “living in a dictatorship”.

Jones was booed by crowds at last year’s World Cup when he was Australia head coach and could be met with a similar reaction from England fans on Sunday, but Genge believes he will thrive on being cast as the the bad guy.

“I like the bloke. He was always… not always actually, he wasn’t always nice to me, but we’ve got a good relationship,” said Genge, who was given his international debut by Jones in 2016.

“He’s a master of the psychological part of player development and man management.

“Sometimes he gets it wrong. There have been some nightmare stories of late about him. But he’s a good bloke, man. He’s a good guy.

“I can’t imagine he’s going to get a cheer when he goes on camera, but he’ll love that part of it. He’ll relish it. It will all be part of the day for him.

“He will probably have a few trick plays up his sleeve and knowing Eddie he will probably take the game very personally, which I love about him.

“He will have them fired up and you saw what he did with his Japan side in 2015 that beat South Africa in Brighton.

“He’s a brilliant coach and Japan are developing as a nation in terms of their rugby. They have improved so much. You have got to have your wits about you for sure.”

England have lost to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa this month and are aiming to end a five-Test losing streak when they clash with the Brave Blossoms, who are positioned 13th in the global rankings.

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