Eddie Jones says England will have to beat the ‘greatest Welsh side ever’ when they face Warren Gatland’s men in a potential Six Nations decider later this month (England 2/9 to win Six Nations – Wales 5/1).
Jones was speaking after watching his side destroy France 44-8 at Twickenham on Sunday, to build on the opening win over Ireland in Dublin last weekend, and he says his side will have to be at their ‘absolute best’ when they travel to Cardiff on February 23.
Jones may not truly believe all the hype about this latest Wales side, but admits they will be in for a tough encounter at the Millennium Stadium.
Wales beat Italy on Saturday to make it 11 consecutive Test victories, which equalled a century-old national record, but Jones says they are looking forward to the clash.
“We are playing the greatest Welsh side ever. That’s what we are hearing, we’ll take it at face value,” said Jones speaking after the win over France.
“We’re going to have to be at our absolute best. Preparation starts on Wednesday.
“You’re playing against a tough, physical team. They contest hard at the breakdown. You’ve got to earn every point against them. We’re looking forward to going down there. It should be fun.”
Wales came from behind to beat France in Paris in their opening game of the Six Nations so confidence should be sky high going into the England game as Gatland, who will stand down as coach after the World Cup, looks to go out on a high (Wales 13/2 to win Grand Slam).
‘odds subject to change’
