Six Nations 2018: Eddie Jones will start England's battle at breakfast - Chris Robshaw
ENGLAND begin their assault on Six Nations history today against Italy and flanker Chris Robshaw says battle will commence on the breakfast table.
It is where effervescent head coach Eddie Jones will already be hard at work motivating his players and creating the dynamic team spirit that has delivered victory in 22 out of 23 matches under his leadership as well as two Six Nations titles.
Robshaw may have lost the England captaincy when Jones took charge but he admits to being bowled over by the regime.
“Eddie is the best man-manager I have ever met,” says the Harlequins flanker, who will win his 60th cap in Rome today.
“Every morning at breakfast he will come in and speak to every single person on every table, go round and give you that personal touch – ‘How did you sleep? Is everything okay?’
“He will touch base with everyone and I’ve never had that before as a player. You build a rapport and that connects you.
“He reads people extremely well and he knows how to get the best out of you. Some people he will be texting, others may get a bit of shouting and then with other people it is giving them confidence and that love.
Eddie is the best man-manager I have ever met
“It’s easy to put people down, but when people are excelling you have to praise them and give them confidence. It brings positive energy.”
No team in history has won the Six Nations three times in succession outright, but England are favourites for a unique achievement.
They will have to guard against complacency against a talented young Italy team today but Robshaw says England will be fully focused.
“That bullish approach of Eddie helps and he has instilled a ruthless streak in us,” he said.
“When people look back on their careers, you can speak about the good times and the fun, but what you really look back on is playing in the big games, the tournament deciders and winning them. You want to pick up silverware and trophies. That’s what you really enjoy.
“You want to have those accolades and to be part of a team which has done that. You have a huge amount of respect for people who have won titles for their clubs and for England – you see it with Lawrence Dallaglio.
“That is extremely special because it’s rare. England have won just 13 Grand Slams and they are special.”
Jones’ team won the Grand Slam two years ago and were denied last year in the final match by Ireland. It is clearly their ambition again.