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Published 14:24 7 Mar 2022 GMT
Updated 14:24 7 Mar 2022 GMT
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"They are literally, and I say that without any hesitation, the most cohesive side in the world," Jones added. "The bulk of their team train together for the bulk of the year. So they are very well-coordinated in their attack, they are very structured, they're very sequenced in set plays. "And they're tough around the breakdown mate. So that poses a great challenge for us. But we're looking forward to the challenge, we're not intimidated by any team and we're looking forward to playing against them."[caption id="attachment_244572" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Tadhg Furlong celebrates after Ireland's 2021 Six Nations victory over England, at the Aviva Stadium. (Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile)[/caption]
"We've got a young squad, but a very good squad, and we're pleased with the development of the squad," Eddie Jones commented.
"We're moving in the right direction, like any team it's not a straight line to the top. We've got our ups and downs, but certainly the spirit of the team is good, the development of the game we want to play is good."
One of the English stand-outs in the championship has been Harlequins back-row Alex Dombrandt. He is in danger of missing the Ireland game, though, after testing positive for Covid, last Friday.
"He'll be a chance, but we've just got to wait and see how he recovers from Covid. He has to do all the cardiac tests, and then we'll see on Thursday whether he can train, and participate in the training at the necessary level. And if that's the case then he has a chance to play against Ireland."After their recent 23-19 win over Wales, former Ireland stars Jamie Heaslip and Stephen Ferris were critical of England as they tried to adapt to new players and a new game-plan under Jones. "Wales have done us a massive favour," Heaslip declared on RTÉ Television. "They’ve exposed a lot of weaknesses in the English side... I don’t think the players know the direction they are been given because they look a little bit rudderless on that field." "Take Marcus Smith out of it, everybody else was pretty average," Ferris chipped in. "I'm hoping that England turn up, because if they play like that, Ireland will win. Simple." Asked if that was extra motivation for his side, Jones replied, "Well, I don't even know what they said, mate.
"All those guys make a living out of making comments don't they? Unless you say something note-worthy you don't get paid, so all they are doing is trying to make a living post their career, so good luck to them."England host Ireland at Twickenham from 4:45pm on Saturday, March 12.

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