Eddie Jones has said that he only managed four world class players during his stellar coaching career
During multiple interviews, the Aussie has never been quick to label a player 'world-class' and infamously declared
his England team had none.
Since then, three players have broken through Jones' glass ceiling to join the 'best player he coached' in a rather exclusive club of his world-class players.
See who won lavish praise from the Aussie below.
#1. Maro Itoje
Jones said: “Maro is one of the best players in the world and he plays the game on the edge,
"“At the same time, there are areas of the game he needs to tidy up and he knows that. He’s a good boy, a good player. There are just a few things in his game he needs to tidy up.”
DID YOU KNOW? So far in his rugby career, he has won four English Premiership titles with Saracens, three
European Rugby Champions Cup titles, and three
Six Nations Championship titles
#2. George Smith
Jones said: "George played 110 caps by the time he was 29. I've always said he's probably the most consistent player I've ever worked with. World-class."
DID YOU KNOW? He is the second most capped Wallaby forward behind
Nathan Sharpe #3. Mako Vunipola
Jones said: "He's probably the best loosehead in the world. He has ten carries a game and makes 15 tackles. you won't find any other loosehead who gets through those sort of numbers."
DID YOU KNOW? His early rugby career began playing for New Panteg RFC, playing alongside current
Welsh number 8
Taulupe Faletau #4. Tom Curry
Jones said: "I remember seeing him the first time, playing for Sale, and it reminded me of the feelings I’d had when I watched a young George Smith in Sydney grade rugby.
"After 30 minutes of watching Curry, who at the time was largely unknown outside of Sale, I thought, ‘Why hasn’t anyone mentioned this kid before?’ He was head and shoulders above everyone else on the field.
"It's amazing he's still so young. He’s going to be a special player."
DID YOU KNOW? Curry is the nephew of former England hooker John Olver and cousin of Doncaster Knights fly-half Sam Olver.
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