Six Nations 2021: England's victory over France deserved packed Twickenham – Jones

By Sports Desk March 13, 2021

Eddie Jones was left wishing Twickenham had been packed full of fans to see England's gutsy Six Nations win over France.

The hosts ended France's dreams of a first Grand Slam since 2010 as Maro Itoje's late try secured a hard-earned 23-20 victory on Saturday.

It was a fine response from the Red Rose after disappointing losses to Scotland and Wales either side of a routine win over Italy.

But head coach Jones wanted to share in the glory with England's supporters, with coronavirus restrictions depriving them of the opportunity to witness a fine performance first-hand.

"I just wish there were 82,000 fans here," Jones told ITV, having seen his side fight back from Antoine Dupont's try after just 65 seconds.

"It was a good, tough game of rugby with good fight from both teams and a bit of drama at the end.

"Since the Scotland game we have played with a lot of fight and energy.

"We thought France would come out hard early. They haven't had a game for a while and they were fresh. We had to be with them at half-time - that was our big job.

"We thought we would get them in the second half and we did.

"We've felt since the autumn we have to change our game a bit because the laws are moving to make the game faster.

"Our plan is to go to the 2023 World Cup as a good set-piece team and a team that can move."

England conclude their 2021 Six Nations campaign in Dublin next weekend.

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    The All Blacks ran out 23-13 winners in Dublin thanks to Damian McKenzie, while Ireland's discipline cost them late on after they had made a bright start to the second half.

    McKenzie scored three of his six penalties before the break to give New Zealand a 9-6 lead, but the visitors started the second half a man light after Jordie Barrett's yellow card for a high tackle.

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    And Doris pointed to Ireland's discipline as the turning point late on in the game.

    "It was intense out there. We were quite reactive out there and our discipline wasn't where it needed to be," he told TNT Sports.

    "We got momentum at the start of the second half, but they came back. They were quality, we weren't good enough.

    "Discipline was a big part. We didn't fire enough shots and part of that was our defence letting them hold onto the ball. I'm not sure exactly what the answers are, but we weren't good enough tonight."

    Ireland were seeking a 20th home win in a row, but New Zealand ensured their impressive run came to a halt on Friday.

    It is now five wins on the bounce for New Zealand in all competitions, having followed up their dramatic win over England last weekend.

    Head coach Scott Robertson was impressed with what he saw from the All Blacks, both individually and as a team.

    "It was a hell of a match, we defended extremely well, and it's really pleasing with all the work we have been doing," he said to TNT Sports.

    "Discipline and self-control is an area you have to own it, and I think a lot of individuals did."

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