Eddie Jones came up with an unexpected answer when grilled over whether he wanted England to face Wales or South Africa in the final of the World Cup.
For he seemed less concerned about who England will meet in Yokohama next Saturday than how deep tomorrow’s second semi-final victor will have to dig for victory.
"We’re looking forward to Wales v South Africa being a 3-3 draw and they have to play extra-time," said Jones when asked about England's likely final opponents.
He suggested their battle stretching to 100 minutes could benefit England, who have an extra day to prepare.
Asked who he’d prefer England to meet, Jones rapped: "We don’t control that mate, but I’ll definitely come and watch the game. We’re ready for a good week."
The England boss insisted his side would have to go up a gear than they found during their 19-7 eclipse of Steve Hansen's back to back champions New Zealand in Yokohama.
"We know that we can play better next week and we’re going to have to be," declared Jones, as he started looking ahead to a final against Wales or the Springboks.
"We set out four years ago to be the best team in the world. We’re not that but we have the opportunity to play in a game to prove we are."
On the extent of the triumph over the All Blacks – England also had two tries disallowed – he said: "New Zealand are the gods of rugby so we had to take it to them and put them on the back foot as much as we could.
"They’re a great team, they’ve won two World Cups in a row, they’ve got a great coach and a great captain. We had to battle hard."
New Zealand boss Steve Hansen, who stands down after the tournament, said: "They’re a good team.
"There’s no shame in being beaten by them. Congratulations to England – they were deserved winners. We got beaten by a better side.
"Sometimes you find sport isn’t fair but today it was, you just have to accept what’s chucked at you."
