Eddie Jones, the former England coach now leading Japan, cast doubts on Chandler Cunningham-South's suitability for England's number eight role in high-stakes matches. Despite Cunningham-South's impressive start in the position against Fiji, where he was named fan's Player of the Match and demonstrated solid performance, Jones remains skeptical about his capabilities under pressure.
Cunningham-South showcased his potential with six carries, a line break, and four beaten defenders over 53 minutes on the field, accumulating 61 running meters. He was also reliable defensively, completing nine tackles and securing four lineout throws. Yet, he wasn't flawless, losing possession once during the game.
The young back-rower has been making headlines since his days at London Irish, continuing to draw attention after moving to Harlequins and recently re-signing with them. However, Jones hinted that Cunningham-South might be more of a "flat-track bully," potent when conditions favor him but less so in adversity.
"I'm not sure about him," Jones remarked. "He’s a good front-foot player. When you’ve got the ball on the front foot, he’s charging. It might be a thing of his age, but if he can develop that when the games get a bit tougher and a bit tighter, then he’s going to be a good player. But he has to develop that into his game."
While Jones critiqued Cunningham-South, he praised England's recent performances, highlighting their return to foundational strengths and simpler attack strategies under new attack coach Lee Blackett. He also celebrated the return of Henry Arundell to the international arena, emphasizing the importance of depth in the squad.
The match against Fiji at Allianz Stadium saw England deploying their strength early with a try from Luke Cowan-Dickie, but Fiji fought back with two tries. Nevertheless, England's "Pom Squad" took control in the second half, sealing a convincing victory. Jones commented on the match's dynamics and England's effective use of their bench strength to close the game.
"It was a typical England-Fiji game," Jones said. "England played the power game early, a lot of kicking, and got off to a fast start. Fiji gets a couple of chances, scores a couple of tries, and then you’re thinking, ‘Well, this could be a repeat of two years ago.’ But England have got a good power in their team and good depth in their squad. They brought on a strong bench, who were able to finish the game off, and it was a very good win by England – they’ll be pleased with that."
As England prepares for their upcoming battle with the All Blacks, the insights from seasoned experts like Jones offer a mixed but hopeful outlook on the team's evolving dynamics and potential.
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Eddie Jones, the former England coach now leading Japan, cast doubts on Chandler Cunningham-South's suitability for England's number eight role in high-stakes matches. Despite Cunningham-South's impressive start in the position against Fiji, where he was named fan's Player of the Match and demonstrated solid performance, Jones remains skeptical about his capabilities under pressure.
Cunningham-South showcased his potential with six carries, a line break, and four beaten defenders over 53 minutes on the field, accumulating 61 running meters. He was also reliable defensively, completing nine tackles and securing four lineout throws. Yet, he wasn't flawless, losing possession once during the game.
The young back-rower has been making headlines since his days at London Irish, continuing to draw attention after moving to Harlequins and recently re-signing with them. However, Jones hinted that Cunningham-South might be more of a "flat-track bully," potent when conditions favor him but less so in adversity.
"I'm not sure about him," Jones remarked. "He’s a good front-foot player. When you’ve got the ball on the front foot, he’s charging. It might be a thing of his age, but if he can develop that when the games get a bit tougher and a bit tighter, then he’s going to be a good player. But he has to develop that into his game."
While Jones critiqued Cunningham-South, he praised England's recent performances, highlighting their return to foundational strengths and simpler attack strategies under new attack coach Lee Blackett. He also celebrated the return of Henry Arundell to the international arena, emphasizing the importance of depth in the squad.
The match against Fiji at Allianz Stadium saw England deploying their strength early with a try from Luke Cowan-Dickie, but Fiji fought back with two tries. Nevertheless, England's "Pom Squad" took control in the second half, sealing a convincing victory. Jones commented on the match's dynamics and England's effective use of their bench strength to close the game.
"It was a typical England-Fiji game," Jones said. "England played the power game early, a lot of kicking, and got off to a fast start. Fiji gets a couple of chances, scores a couple of tries, and then you’re thinking, ‘Well, this could be a repeat of two years ago.’ But England have got a good power in their team and good depth in their squad. They brought on a strong bench, who were able to finish the game off, and it was a very good win by England – they’ll be pleased with that."
As England prepares for their upcoming battle with the All Blacks, the insights from seasoned experts like Jones offer a mixed but hopeful outlook on the team's evolving dynamics and potential.