Six Nations 2018: England coach Eddie Jones SAVAGES journalist over Rhys Patchell question
EDDIE JONES refused to talk about the mind games in which he engaged ahead of England’s Six Nations clash with Wales in his post-match media briefing.
Jones had spent much of his pre-match press conference talking about Wales’ 24-year-old fly-half Rhys Patchell, questioning whether he had the “bottle” to cope with the pressure of a first ever Six Nations start away from home.
The seven-cap Scarlet was bombarded with big hits and high balls by England and was eventually substituted after 56 minutes, full-back Gareth Anscombe moving up to take his place at No 10.
But Jones refused to take any credit for pressuring Patchell into a poor performance and refused even to consider the effect of his earlier remarks on England's 12-6 win over Wales.
“I made some comments before the game, I’m talking about the game now,” Jones said.
“If you want to talk about the game, ask me a question. Don’t talk about comments I made before the game.
“You guys ask me to make comments before the game, and I made comments and I raised issues. If you don’t want me to do it, I won’t do it.”
And Jones also refused to comment on how Patchell held up under the pressure of performing in challenging conditions against a suffocating English defence.
“I don’t coach him, mate. Ask Warren,” Jones added.
Scuffle between England and Wales during Six Nations clash
“In any team, you try to put pressure on the No 9 and No 10. So we tried to put pressure on the No 9 and No 10.
“They tried to put pressure on our No 9 and No 10 so it was no different.”
Patchell will now hope to retain his place for Wales’ next Six Nations game, a clash with Ireland in Dublin that could make or break their chances of a surprise championship win.
Dan Biggar, who is battling a shoulder injury, could supplant him but Wales coach Warren Gatland was nevertheless pleased to have had the chance to see how he would cope at the very highest level.
“He is one of those players that would have learned a lot from that experience,” Gatland said.
“We thought he was pretty good last week and we wanted to see him put under that pressure at the next level.
“That’s why we wanted to find out about him, and for him to experience that.
“He would have learned a lot and go away with things for him to work on.”