Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Reuters
Reuters
Sport

Rugby - England playing at their best since Jones took charge, says Youngs

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Six Nations Championship - England v France - Twickenham Stadium, London, Britain - February 10, 2019 England's Ben Youngs gestures Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs/File Photo

(Reuters) - England's Six Nations wins over defending champions Ireland and France were the best the team had played since Eddie Jones was appointed head coach in 2015, scrum half Ben Youngs said.

England stunned Ireland 32-20 in their opener in Dublin before thrashing France 44-8 at Twickenham to move to the top of the Championship, with two bonus points giving them a two-point lead over second-placed Wales.

When Youngs was asked whether this was England's best form since Jones took charge, the 29-year-old told reporters: "From what I remember since I've been involved with Eddie, yes.

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Six Nations Championship - England v France - Twickenham Stadium, London, Britain - February 10, 2019 England head coach Eddie Jones arrives at the stadium before the match Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs/File Photo

"It's probably not higher intensity, just more consistent with it. Maybe that's maturity, personnel.

"If you're 30-8 up against France at half-time you are doing something right. There weren't many mistakes."

England's next match is a trip to Wales, who are also unbeaten, on Feb. 23 and the clash in Cardiff is billed as a potential title decider that can give the winner a chance to win the Grand Slam.

"Wales have had a good run, we are going to embrace and enjoy the big two-week build-up," Youngs, who has 82 England caps, said.

"This is what the championship is about, it always comes down to certain games. France was a championship decider, the same in a fortnight's time."

(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Alison Williams)

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.