Former England boss Eddie Jones has acknowledged that he should have selected Joe Marler as the starting loosehead prop rather than Mako Vunipola for the World Cup final.
Jones expressed regret for his choices after England, who were trying to win their second World Cup title, were defeated 32-12 by South Africa in Yokohama.
“I accept that I made two selection mistakes for the final,” Jones writes in his new autobiography My Life and Rugby, which is being serialised in The Times.
“I should have chosen Joe Marler ahead of Mako Vunipola at loosehead prop and reverted to the Owen Farrell-Manu Tuilagi-Henry Slade midfield we used against Australia.
“George Ford could have come off the bench when we had got into the game. But you never know until the game starts. You use the best available evidence and rely on your gut.”
Eddie Jones Facts:
Jones coached Australia when they lost the 2003 World Cup final to England
He made three appearances for Leicester during the 1991/92 season in England
Jones was born in Burnie, Tasmania to a Japanese American mother and an Australian Father
He was the first non-Englishman to become Head Coach of the England rugby team
Jones discovered the talent of Australia great George Smith
Eddie Jones dream team DOESN’T include Tom Curry
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Anthony Watson (England)
- 14. Bryan Habana (South Africa)
- 11. Lote Tuqiri (Australia)
CENTRES:
- 13. Stirling Mortlock (Australia)
- 12. Manu Tuilagi (England)
