Having played against England at this World Cup I am not remotely surprised to see them in the final on Saturday. They have a squad – and a game plan – with “world champions” written all over it. Their confidence must also be through the roof having dismantled the All Blacks in Yokohama. Eddie Jones’s men seem to be peaking at the right time and have built steadily throughout the tournament.
Love him or hate him, England’s head coach has been in masterful form. His “humorous” comments before games are no accident: they are designed to galvanise his team and brace them for the challenge of everyone hating England. Before USA’s game with England, Jones described us as “a bunch of Donald Trumps” to highlight our supposed unpredictability. It certainly ruffled a few feathers in our camp but, come the game, it was England who ruffled us.
Related: England’s vision coach Dr Sherylle Calder: ‘Jones is a rugby mastermind’
Related: South Africa expect brains as well as brawn from England in final
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