In Eddie Jones’s mind the race to win next year’s Rugby World Cup is similar to a classic steeplechase. “In the Cheltenham Gold Cup there would probably be Ireland and France, nose and nose, just in front. New Zealand and South Africa would be one and two back and we’re just behind that. But we’ve got a tight rein on at the moment so we’ve got plenty to go in the last 400. Can you see the vision?”
Few would dispute his assessment of a tightly bunched field but, as Jones is well aware, the key for his England team is how fast they can accelerate up the hill between now and next September. His first training squad of the season offered a few pointers but, because of injuries and temporary unavailability to others, his formal autumn squad announcement on 17 October will be a better selectorial gauge.
