Eddie Jones was a pundit for ITV’s coverage in Dublin, (Image: Getty)
Former coach has argued has reason for optimism after seeing his side . After leading 10-5 at half-time, the visitors were then blown away by an side that scored 22 points without reply to seemingly put the game to bed.
But in the closing moments, Borthwick’s team crossed twice themselves to reduce the final deficit to 27-22, earning a crucial bonus point in the process.
Afterwards Jones, on duty for the first time as a pundit for ITV, outlined four major plus points for the man who succeeded him as head coach.
“England just have to find the positives in the game,” he said. “Their physicality, breakdown and defence was good in the first half. That ability to stay in the game as well is a positive.
Borthwick’s team did threaten with the ball in hand but were also guilty of defensive lapses and ill-discipline after the interval. Afterwards, the coach himself pointed to Ireland’s superior number of caps as a reason for the stronger second period.
England now face another acid test on home soil next Saturday when they host France. Les Bleus got their campaign off to a searing start under the lights in Paris on Friday night, blowing away 43-0.
Steve Borthwick’s side secured a losing bonus point. (Image: Getty)
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And Jones argued it was now up to the side’s experienced campaigners to stand up and be counted. “For England to go forward they need a couple of their senior players to step up and take the younger players with them,” he added.
“Second half they gave away seven penalties and two free-kicks as Ireland got their rhythm. You’ve got to be able to just keep doing your job. That’s something you’ve just got to do through hard practice.
“The second half was almost the opposite of the first. The first ten minutes, Ireland dominated possession, they used it a lot better in the second half. They looked sharper. Maybe England fell off their line speed a bit in defence. There was a bit of a gap in the second half between the two teams.”
Jones coached England from 2015 until the end of 2022, winning three titles and taking the team to the 2019 final. And before kick-off, when asked about recent criticisms of him in the book of his former scrum-half, Danny Care.
Laughing as he spoke, Jones said: “Well, I’m still waiting for a copy of his book so if Danny’s watching, send me a copy so I can read it!”