England v Wales - Old Mutual Wealth Cup

‘We’ve just beaten Wales by 5 tries to 1 and we’re talking about a guy that missed a few goals. That’s quite amazing, it just shows the negative reaction in English rugby. I find it quite sad to be honest. We’ve beaten Wales 5 tries to 1, when do you score 5 tries against Wales? Wales are at full strength and we’re missing 11 players and we’re talking about a young kid that missed a few kicks. I think we need to get some perspective on where we are going with the game here.’

When Eddie Jones has a point to make he delivers it. There’s no beating around the bush, instead he gets straight to the point and speaks his mind in no uncertain terms. It is something that his players have expressed their wholehearted support for and it’s something that I personally believe will hold England Rugby in very good stead during the course of his four-year tenure. 

Anyone with eyes could see that George Ford had a day to forget off the kicking tee. Mark my words, as any professional sportsman would be, the 23-year-old will be more disappointed than anyone else at his own performance. Off days happen, they’re part of life and every fly-half in the world has them as former All Black Nick Evans was quick to share on social media. Of course the focus on this one in particular was greater given the fact many people thought Danny Cipriani's exclusion wasn't warranted and the extra attention that's been put on George and how he's coping with the recent dismissal of his dad from Bath. But, to focus so wholeheartedly on his missed goal kicks ignores his other work around the park that was delivered under intense pressure from Wales' defenders. Ford plays flatter to the line than any other, it's a key asset of his, but it puts him in the outrageously difficult firing line of opponents' back-row forwards and centres.  As Eddie Jones rightly highlighted after the game a team cannot score four tries from their backs without a stand off that's doing his job. Also the intense focus on the goal kicking does a disservice to the side’s emphatic victory over a largely full strength Welsh side. 

Emphatic is not a word that I use lightly but from half-time onwards there was only one team in the game and that was the home side. The Welsh promised so much and started strongly but showed their classic problem of being unable to finish their chances. In contrast when England’s arrived their backs made the most of them and in particular Anthony Watson’s 33rd minute finish was of the highest order. 

Luther Burrell looks to have played his way onto the plane and personally I was extremely impressed with his 80-minutes. The Northampton Saint showed the fruits of his fitness labour, he ran some delightful lines, was rumbustious over the park and took his try well. (Of course his placed was confirmed by Eddie Jones on Sunday morning.) At the heart of team captain Dylan Hartley showed his side how it was done as he worked his lungs to bursting point playing for 76-minutes after so little rugby since the RBS 6 Nations. Dylan's work rate and leadership spoke volumes of him as a person and as their leader and I was mightily impressed with England's captain. Elsewhere on the field Joe Launchbury had a stormer, the lock was absolutely everywhere and was at his athletic best. The Wasp, alongside Courtney Lawes, will have watched the world and his wife hail Itoje and Kruis to the moon and back through gritted teeth and to have the chance to remind Eddie Jones what he is capable of meant that he delivered a monumental individual performance. 

‘The great thing about today is that it has just added depth to our squad. To win the World Cup which is our ultimate aim, you need 28 really good players. Everyone says 30 but if you get 28 really good players you can win a World Cup. There were guys today that put up their hand that said we’re capable of pushing for a permanent position and that’s what we want.’

The key lesson from the Old Mutual Wealth Cup match was that Eddie Jones’ England is looking in rude health. From the front-row to the back three and everywhere in between we are starting to see true, high class strength in depth and this is only the beginning. The Australian expects a tremendous amount from his players and as a collective they’re responding to his coaching methods, man management and years of experience. It's been a matter of months since the Rugby World Cup but it seems a long time ago and with the talent that's also travelling to South Africa with the Saxons there's every reason for England fans to feel positive,

A victorious platform was exactly what England required before embarking on the real challenge, a three test series in Australia. This year England have proved themselves to be the strongest in Europe but the Wallabies are a whole different ball game. As Eddie Jones has said, multiple times, Southern Hemisphere rugby is played at a higher intensity than our International players have experienced to date and will put new demands on them. On squad announcement day he likened meeting the Wallabies in the First Test in Brisbane to facing a fast bowler saying;

'It’s like facing a fast bowler, the first ball you face from a fast bowler you don’t see. The second ball if you’re lucky you see it and it doesn’t hit you and by the third ball you get on the front foot and you can hit it. That’s what we need to be like, we’ve got to make sure that when we’re ready to play the first test we’re like that third ball and we’re on the front foot ready to hit it.'

Personally I can’t wait to see how England step up, the RBS 6 Nations saw the test team grow with every game played and at Twickenham Stadium they toppled a Welsh side that were odds on favourites to be victorious. Once they arrive in Australia Eddie Jones and his management have their work cut out in order to get them to that stage of the third ball but if they do it could be a very positive summer for England Rugby.

England v Wales Preview

'It’s a proper test match it’s fourth versus fifth in the World and there are ranking points available. Warren Gatland doesn’t like to lose to England and England don’t like to lose to Wales.’

In two sentences Eddie Jones has it the nail on the head, this test match may be extremely inconveniently timed for the head coach but it does represent an opportunity. It's a chance for the Australian to ‘grow the depth of the squad’ and for a number of the players that he's selected it gives them a showcase to prove to him that they can deliver at test level. 

The task of facing a largely full strength Welsh side, and one that will still be smarting from their opening 60-minutes in the RBS 6 Nations, isn’t for the feint hearted. In all areas Eddie Jones must see his players step up and deliver if they are to gain the result that he demands from them. 

If all of his players come out of the Aviva Premiership fully fit and in the right psychological state then Eddie Jones has said that he knows his starting side for the test in Brisbane, and you'd expect him to. However, that doesn’t mean that the performances of those taking to the field on Sunday count for nothing. As we all know nothing ever stays constant in professional sport for too long and the opportunity to show your worth against a full strength Welsh side will go a long way towards boosting current and future prospects. 

As the senior player Haskell will
want to lead England's
back row from the front

When you glance at the two test sides and think about the key elements of Sunday’s test match then it’s clear that England’s back row have to nail their output. Moriarty, Lydiate and Faletau are a big handful and England's trio will have their work cut out. Between them Harrison, Haskell and Clifford have to deliver the gain line breaks and carries that Billy Vunipola provided England with during the RBS 6 Nations. Billy is a one man wrecking ball and however they do it the trio must provide front foot ball that England need to thrive. We also need to see Dan Lydiate's breakdown prowess contained, potentially something that Jack Clifford makes his priority as Eddie Jones says that he sees him as a seven in the future and of course the work rate and defensive work of all three will be paramount with Wales' threats on the field. 

When you read the names in England’s back line, Brown, Watson, Joseph, Burrell, Yarde, Ford and Youngs the first thing that springs to mind is that every single individual will have a huge desire to prove themselves. Each one has either received plenty of external criticism regarding their personal output, has another individual snapping at their heels for their jersey or know that there’s a place on the plane to Australia that could have their name on it. 

Yarde's last England test
vs. Baa Baas May-15

Marland Yarde cannot have escaped the barrage of noise that surrounded his inclusion in the touring squad and for his own confidence as much as to shut everyone else up he needs a colossal game. Those that remember the Harlequin at his very best will know that he can do it, but he has to show that today. Ben Youngs and George Ford work very well together and in spite of having had to deal with a huge amount recently I expect the latter to really up his game this afternoon and provide that flat to the line approach which England can fly off. Luther Burrell is physically fit and knows the opportunity that’s in front of him and in all honesty I doubt that he'll let it pass by given what's happened to him over the past year. Finally Jonathan Joseph won’t have escaped the presence of Elliot Daly on the bench and his quieter form this season must be turned around this summer starting today. In short Eddie Jones wants to see his side's attacking game press and with 20 degree heat and a spot of sunshine there won't be any excuses today, this is the backs' time to shine. 

All in all test match is all about Eddie Jones’ squad stepping up and being counted for. This time Wales won't underestimate England like they did during the 6 Nations because Warren Gatland's squad understand that this is a new England under Eddie Jones and one that has a bit of egde to it. However our neighours are favourites, how could they not be with a full strength side?  

England have to start strongly, they have to play like a seasoned test side from minute one and if every single member of England's 23 seize the opportunity and play like the players that we know they are then the home side will ignite Twickenham and ensure that they prepare for Australia in the right way. 

England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Luther Burrell, 11 Marland Yarde, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 1 Matt Mullan, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 3 Dan Cole, 4 Joe Launchbury, 5 Courtney Lawes, 6 Teimana Harrison, 7 James Haskell, 8 Jack Clifford  Replacements: 16 Tommy Taylor, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Paul Hill, 19 Dave Attwood, 20 Matt Kvesic, 21 Danny Care, 22 Ollie Devoto, 23 Elliot Daly

Wales: 15 Liam Williams, 14 George North, 13 Scott Williams, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Hallam Amos, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 1 Rob Evans, 2 Scott Baldwin, 3 Samson Lee, 4 Jake Ball, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 6 Ross Moriarty, 7 Dan Lydiate (c), 8 Taulupe Faletau Replacements: 16 Kristian Dacey, 17 Gethin Jenkins, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Josh Turnbull, 20 James King, 21 Lloyd Williams, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Gareth Anscombe

Aviva Premiership Final 2016 Review

For half of the 2016 Aviva Premiership final it was one way traffic and the fears that we held regarding Exeter Chiefs not being able to handle Saracens were coming true. Then, Rob Baxter’s side got to grips with finals footy, they emerged from the shadows and made one hell of a game of it. 

For Saracens retaining their Aviva Premiership trophy and achieving the domestic and European double will have tasted even sweeter due to the fact they had to fight tooth and nail for it. The undisputed Champions of England, and Europe, were made to show every ounce of their experience and resolve in order fend off Exeter’s impressive second-half advances. It was the type of performance that we've become used to seeing from Saracens, they make it look effortless but any sports team will tell you that sustaining consistently outstanding output is far from simple to deliver.

"We’ve had 33 consecutive matches and we’ve lost 4," said Mark McCall. 

"That’s not a bad record!!? It indicates that we don’t pick and choose instead we front up, not just in games like this, but all the time. If we keep this up and I don’t see why we can’t give ourselves opportunities to get back into these sort of games."

The ominous message for the rest of the Aviva Premiership, and Europe, is that Saracens aren't a wilting or old side. Instead their age profile is young and all indications are that there's plenty more to come. The movement out of the club is minimal to non-existent and those coming in will all add plenty. Schalk Burger joins their back-row, the Fijian flyer Savenaca Rawaca arrives out wide and Alex Lozowski is a tremendously talented fly-half who should flourish at the club.

I’ve said countless times before that Saracens are so confident in their own game plan and know how to win matches better than any other side in Europe and the 2016 Aviva Premiership final was point and case in that regard. We saw everything that we wanted to from individuals and the team as  collective. Alex Goode mesmerised with his 19 carries and 149 metres made, Owen Farrell was combative and unwavering off the tee, Schalk Brits was brilliant and the physicality from Barritt, Itoje, Vunipola and co immense. 

Of course it takes two to tango in a Premiership final and now is the time to acknowledge Rob Baxter and his Exeter Chiefs. He openly admitted that his side needed the experience of the opening-half to learn. Let’s not forget that the Chiefs haven’t ever been in a domestic final before and it’s not a easy place to be, especially against Saracens. As he rightly said after the game some sides take the full eighty minutes to learn their lessons and instead the Chiefs turned it around mid-game. 

Exeter pushed Saracens harder than they’ve been pushed by any side in recent months and that’s credit to their fortitude and talent. Jack Nowell continued to look like an International player, that will have pleased Eddie Jones, and elsewhere Alec Hepburn was magnificent and Ewers was at his physical best. It’s such a shame that Thomas Waldrom wasn’t able to take to the field because I’ve no doubt that he would have added greatly to the final. When you look at the 80 minutes as a whole it was a final that signals that Exeter are going to find themselves in many more big games in years to come, they’re in it for the long haul and are not a one hit wonder. 

Today I hope that both sides are waking up with slightly fuzzy heads having sunk a few beers in celebration of their outstanding Premiership seasons and in Saracens' case becoming the first Premiership side since 2004 to record the domestic and European double. For some the work continues with England’s forthcoming tour to Australia and for others a well-earned summer break is on the cards. Personally I can’t wait to see both of our 2016 finalists back in pre-season action in August and the 2016 Aviva Premiership final was a fantastic finish to an outstanding domestic season. 

Aviva Premiership Final - Saracens v Exeter Chiefs

So here we are on  Aviva Premiership final day and just two remain. After 134 matches and more twists and turns than any of us expected Saracens and Exeter are gearing up to write the final chapter in the 2015/16 season. 

It’s fair to say at the start of the season not all would have predicted Exeter Chiefs being in the season finale, Saracens perhaps, but if we're truly honest not Rob Baxter's Chiefs. However over the course of the seven months they've delighted us all and proved themselves to be worthy finalists. 

The Chiefs’ progression since gaining promotion to the Aviva Premiership is the blueprint that any side in the world should follow, regardless of sport, in order to achieve success. Six years on from promotion they've a shot at taking the title and that comes down to a number of key factors. First, the solid ownership of Tony Rowe and his ability to trust Rob Baxter and let him get on with his job. Second the brilliance of their Director of Rugby himself. Rob’s man management skills are first-class and get the very best out of his players. His astute rugby brain develops their game plan and his ability to bring in the right players means that the Chiefs have flourished. Finally of course credit must be handed to the players themselves and their hard work. Exeter's players, like Saracens', work immensly hard for each other, know their roles within the unit and all have developed outstanding footballing skills. 

Last season Exeter were unlucky to miss out on the playoffs and it frustrated them. This time around they ensure that they made it all the way through to the knockouts by showing the composure and edge that they needed in order to win the 'banana skin' matches as well as the big games. Sandy Park is their fortress and today their fans must make Twickenham sound just as loud and intimidating for Saracens. 

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From the Chiefs' outstanding driving maul to their dynamic backs Exeter have honed in on a first-class all around game and they have to bring it all to Twickenham. Gareth Steenson has been brilliant and a huge amount of responsibility falls on his shoulders today both from a leadership point of view and in terms of gaining the field position to work from. Exeter cannot allow themselves to fall into the traps that Saracens will lay for them, they have to play rugby but they have to do so in the right areas of the field and crucially remain ice cool in the face of their first ever Premiership final. 

Lining up against the Exeter Chiefs are the European Champions, the season professionals when it comes to Premiership finals and the side that have taken their own game to a new level over the last few months. 

As the season has progressed Saracens have become even more ruthless with every round played. The side know their own game plan, and how to win matches, better than any other team in Europe and nine times out of ten they force opponents into succumbing to their wishes. Defensively they’ve stepped it up another gear and have added plenty to their game going forwards. 

Saracens are often criticised that their output isn’t flashy or jazzy enough. But if you think that, have you watched how their capitalise on their opportunities lately? The work of Alex Goode, Premiership Player of the Season, Schalk Brits, Chris Wyles, Chris Ashton and the new box of tricks Owen Farrell is delivering provides plenty to coo over and it’s mightily unfair to continue to stick the boring tag on them.  

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The development of this Saracens squad hasn’t happened overnight, like Exeter they’ve stayed together over the years, watched their players develop and grow and this season we’ve seen the fruits of the collective experiences that they’ve banked along the way. This will be their fifth Premiership final in seven years and that goes alongside their outings in the knockout rounds of the Champions Cup and of course this year's winning European final. In short Saracens have done this many times before. They know exactly how finals footy works, they know how to quell the heightened emotions that come with the day and they know how to ride the ebbs and flows of the game. Today this could be vital in pushing them to the first European and domestic double since Wasps back in 2004. 

So the question is what can we expect from today’s final? Well in all honesty predicting anything with true conviction ahead of an Aviva Premiership final is always dangerous. Last year would anyone have predicted that Bath wouldn’t fully turn up until half-time? No. The year before would you have predicted the ending that we witnessed between Northampton and Saracens? I think not. Instead I’ll share what I hope will happen. 

I hope to see both sides embracing the occasion and really taking it to each other. Saracens’ big game experience is great and we know that they be ready for it but Exeter need to defy their limited experience and excel. I want to see both sides bringing their A games to Twickenham Stadium and showing us all exactly who they are, and what they are made of. The odds are stacked in Saracens' favour but wouldn't it be fantastic to see Exeter embrace the big stage, as they are capable of doing, and from there finish one of the greatest rises to prominence that we've seen in the professional era. 

Saracens: 15 Alex Goode 14 Chris Ashton 13 Duncan Taylor 12 Brad Barritt (C) 11 Chris Wyles 10 Owen Farrell 9 Richard Wigglesworth 1 Mako Vunipola 2 Schalk Brits 3 Petrus Du Plessis 4 Maro Itoje 5 George Kruis 6 Michael Rhodes 7 Will Fraser 8 Billy Vunipola Replacements: 16 Jamie George 17 Richard Barrington 18 Juan Figallo 19 Jim Hamilton 20 Jackson Wray 21 Neil De Kock 22 Charlie Hodgson 23 Marcelo Bosch

Exeter Chiefs: 15 Phil Dollman 14 Jack Nowell 13 Henry Slade 12 Ian Whitten 11 Olly Woodburn 10 Gareth Steenson (C) 9 Will Chudley 1 Ben Moon 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie 3 Harry Williams 4 Mitch Lees 5 Geoff Parling 6 Dave Ewers 7 Julian Salvi 8 Don Armand Replacements: 16 Jack Yeandle 17 Alec Hepburn 18 Tomas Francis 19 Damian Welch 20 Kai Horsmann 21 Dave Lewis 22 Michele Campagnaro 23 James Short

England's Welsh Test

‘It's fantastic mate, we get to play Wales again and have the chance to beat them again. There is nothing better than that!’

If Eddie Jones is frustrated by the presence test match against Wales when 6 of the starting XV that faced France are unavailable for selection then he's not showing it. His frustration may be there but there’s absolutely no point in admitting that ahead of a test week. Instead, as his words above show, he’s spot on with his mindset and that's what he wants his players to think too.

The squad that has been selected have an opportunity to royally ruffle Wales’ feathers by inflicting a second victory over their local neighbours in the space of three months. Wales are at full strength and will be hurting after they were humbled for 60-minutes during the RBS 6 Nations. Those over the other side of the Severn Bridge have already written England off however if you look back at performances when England haven’t been at full strength there’s plenty for home fans to be quietly optimistic about. 

The home side will be led by Dylan Hartley whose limited game time since lifting the RBS 6 Nations trophy is of absolutely no concern to his head coach, in fact it may be of benefit. Dylan has been handed the captaincy again on a ‘permanent basis for this tour’, it’s a strategy that I like to see from Eddie Jones and part of him ensuring that no player gets too comfortable. That said I believe that his position was never in any real doubt because Dylan’s abrasive style of rugby and the fact that he refuses to take any rubbish from opponents is exactly the type of leadership that this test against Wales and the tour to Australia requires. The hooker won’t care one iota that his side have been written off before they run out at Twickenham Stadium and he’ll be the first to get stuck in and show his team how it’s done on Sunday afternoon. 

If you review the 26-man squad that are preparing for this test match then there’s a whole host of individuals that have points to prove or ones that feel they haven’t shown their full worth in an England jersey, either recently or ever before. Take the trio of Joe Launchbury, Dave Attwood and Courtney Lawes, none will be happy with the monopoly that everyone seems to have put on Kruis and Itoje taking the 4 and 5 jerseys for years to come. All three will view this match and as their opening opportunity to remind Eddie Jones of their own merits. Mike Brown has been under a barrage of external pressure regarding his form, as have George Ford and Marland Yarde, and all will wish to silence their critics with strong performances. Tommy Taylor and Matt Mullan are two that will be itching for solid game time having been in and around the squad for a while but perhaps most importantly Luther Burrell and Ollie Devoto have to opportunity to play their way onto the plane given Manu Tuilagi’s injury. Needless to say the 80-minutes against Wales is vital for every single player that will be taking to the pitch and I’d be here until Sunday if I explained each individual’s motive in turn, but I trust that you all understand my point.

There’s one final factor to consider regarding Sunday’s test match and that is that it’s a full blown capped test. Obviously this adds a number against each individuals' name but more importantly the result will affect the World Rankings and England’s goal to ensure that they’re in the Top 3 by the 2019 Rugby World Cup draw that will take place in May next year. If England record a victory over Wales and then go onto take tour tests in the Summer then they’ll set up a superb platform for the Autumn Internationals and beyond. 

The long and the short of it is that we’re in for a test match that’s filled with motivation, in spite of it appearing to be a nuisance and pointless. Although it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work it out Eddie Jones will announce his starting XV and bench on Friday and personally I can’t wait to see what this group of players can do on home soil. 

England Senior 26-man squad for Old Mutual Wealth Cup against Wales

Forwards: Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby) Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers) Jack Clifford (Harlequins) Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers)  Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) Teimana Harrison (Northampton Saints) James Haskell (Wasps) Paul Hill (Northampton Saints) Matt Kvesic (Gloucester Rugby) Joe Launchbury (Wasps) Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints) Matt Mullan (Wasps) Chris Robshaw (Harlequins) Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins) Tommy Taylor (Wasps)

Backs: Mike Brown (Harlequins)  Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints) Danny Care (Harlequins)  Elliot Daly (Wasps) Ollie Devoto (Exeter Chiefs) George Ford (Bath Rugby)  Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby) Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers) Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby) Marland Yarde (Harlequins) Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

Eddie Jones' 32-man squad for Australia

On Sunday afternoon Eddie Jones announced the 26-man squad for the forthcoming test against Wales and then the 32-man squad that will head to Australia. Alongside some familiar faces England’s head coach has included 4 uncapped players that will on the plane to Australia; Ben Te’o, Teimana Harrison, Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler.

As soon as the announcements were made on EnglandRugby.com and released on social media there was a great deal reaction to one area in particular; the exclusion of Chris Ashton from the touring party, with Marland Yarde being preferred as the third choice winger. Second a number of people's heads were turned by the inclusion of the relatively unknown prop Ellis Genge. 

This Premiership season we’ve seen braces and hat-tricks aplenty being scored by wingers out wide with 30% of all tries scored coming from those wearing the 11 or 14 jerseys. Numerically the 11 Premiership tries that Chris Ashton has amassed puts him near to the top charts but for Eddie Jones that's not the whole picture. England's head coach said that the inclusion of Yarde over Ashton ‘it was an easy call to make’ and sights the growth and potential development of the Harlequin as a key assets in the his favour. Remember Eddie Jones is running two strategies simultaneously here, one to win matches in the here and now and another to ensure that England develop through strongly into the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Marland Yarde is five-years younger than Chris Ashton and when you read the head coach's thoughts on Yarde's potential then you have the feeling that with this decision he has an eye on the longer term. 

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‘Chris Ashton has finished at club level, and done very well. Marland has a lot of growth in him,’ England’s head coach said.

‘He’s [Yarde] a young player who probably got his first cap too early, maybe didn’t realise how important it was to work hard. He’s now working hard on his game and is the sort of wing we want.

‘I always go back to that game against New Zealand that England nearly won, when Marland scored a try when he ran over Richie McCaw. If a kid can do that, he’s got potential, so I’ve had a special interest in him. He’s an interesting boy, he wants to portray that gangster image, but he’s a hard-working player. I think he can do things in our team that will really add to us. I think that he can become a really good all-round player. I’m not saying Ashton can’t. Ashton is unlike, he’s a great finisher but I want a bit more than that.’

After limited Premiership game time with Leicester, being on loan from Bristol, Ellis Genge’s inclusion is another that has turned heads. According to Richard Cockerill the 21-year-old ‘is a bit of a handful’ but has great potential. The Leicester's DOR's viewpoint on Genge's potential is one that Eddie Jones shares and England's head coach highlighted on Sunday the prop's athleticism, ball carrying and aggression as traits that he believes will put him in good stead in this squad. 

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In just a few short months we've come to realise that Eddie Jones is not a man to select according to popular choice. Indeed he reminded us all that one of the best bits of advice he's had is that 'if you listen to the fans you'll end up in the grand stand with them'. In saying that he wasn't trying to knock, diminish or devalue the opinions of those that support England, instead it was merely a reminder that he is the man in charge and that it's his personal opinion on a player and how they'll fit into his squad that counts.

The Australian is a man that knows the playing environment his squad are heading into better than most and is fully aware that the Wallabies will pose very different challenges to the ones that his squad have faced so far this season.

‘If you look at the stats from the World Cup the difference between the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere teams is the ability to use the ball.

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‘So they’re going to put more questions to our defence than teams did in the 6 Nations and they are going to try and play with an intensity and pace that isn’t common in the Northern Hemisphere.

‘It’s like facing a fast bowler, the first ball you face from a fast bowler you don’t see. The second ball if you’re lucky you see it and it doesn’t hit you and by the third ball you get on the front foot and you can hit it. That’s what we need to be like, we’ve got to make sure that when we’re ready to play the first test we’re like that third ball and we’re on the front foot ready to hit it.’

His answer, as to how to get to that third ball before the first test in Brisbane, was clear and simple: 'preparation, physically and mentally'. Alas for Eddie Jones his preparation time with the whole squad will be disrupted by the presence of the Premiership Final and having to play a full strength Welsh side without 6 of the starting XV that beat France. That must vex the man at the helm greatly however true to form he simply brushed it off as an 'uncontrollable' and is embracing the challenge ahead;

'It's fantastic, mate. We get to play Wales again and get a chance to beat them again. There's nothing better than that is there?'

From hereon in it starts to get very interesting at International level again as we see England come together and prepare to face greater tests than were thrown at them during the RBS 6 Nations. Analysis of the 26-man squad for the Welsh game is en route this week and personally I’m extremely excited to see how this next chapter of England’s development under Eddie Jones pans out over the coming weeks. 

England Senior 32-man squad for Australia tour

Forwards: Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs), Jack Clifford (Harlequins), Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers), Jamie George (Saracens), Teimana Harrison (Northampton Saints), Dylan Hartley – Captain (Northampton Saints), James Haskell (Wasps), Paul Hill (Northampton Saints), Maro Itoje (Saracens), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Matt Mullan (Wasps), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens).

Backs: Mike Brown (Harlequins),  Danny Care (Harlequins),  Elliot Daly (Wasps),  Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Bath Rugby), Alex Goode (Saracens), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Marland Yarde (Harlequins), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers).

England Senior 26-man squad for Old Mutual Wealth Cup against Wales

Forwards: Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Jack Clifford (Harlequins), Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers),  Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), Teimana Harrison (Northampton Saints), James Haskell (Wasps), Paul Hill (Northampton Saints), Matt Kvesic (Gloucester Rugby), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Matt Mullan (Wasps), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Tommy Taylor (Wasps).

Backs: Mike Brown (Harlequins),  Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints), Danny Care (Harlequins),  Elliot Daly (Wasps), Ollie Devoto (Exeter Chiefs), George Ford (Bath Rugby),  Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Marland Yarde (Harlequins), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers).

Premiership Semi-Final - Exeter Chiefs vs. Wasps

Exeter Chiefs’ remarkable journey continues and I’m not just talking about the one that they’ve been on since Round 1. A little over 6 years ago they were promoted into the Aviva Premiership and in less than a week’s time they’ll duel with Europe’s best for the domestic title. 

The Devon based side are showing the rest of the competition how you go about developing and building a successful rugby club. When it comes to the Exeter Chiefs, singling out individuals seems slightly unfair because it’s the sum of their parts that makes them so effective. However, on Saturday afternoon there were players that spearheaded their victory. 

In their back line Jack Nowell and Henry Slade delighted while Gareth Steenson continued to manage the elements and the game with ease. Focusing on Jack Nowell first, the  winger knows that others in the country are doing the business out wide but it isn't fazing him. Instead, whenever he steps onto the field he reminds us all of his own class and International ability and that benefits Exeter greatly. Next, to Henry Slade. There wasn’t anyone in the country that wasn’t distraught to see him break his leg at the Ricoh Arena back in December. But, his rapid return to fitness says everything you need to know about this dedication to the cause. With more rugby under his belt again Slade is now approaching his pre-injury form and on Saturday afternoon combined exceptional game management with the distribution and touches of brilliance that only he can deliver. 

In order for Exeter’s backs to work their magic their forwards needed to front up and at Sandy Park did so handsomely against a powerful Wasps pack. Don Armand and Julian Salvi were rugged and physical and when the true pressure arrived in the final moments of the game the Chiefs' scrummage held firm. The resulting penalty try was the culmination of a match’s worth of work and a further example of their desire and determination to succeed. 

(C) @PPAUK

Of course it takes two to tango in a Premiership semi-final and Wasps played a huge part in what was a tremendous play-off fixture. This season Joe Simpson’s injury provided Dan Robson with a window of opportunity and it’s one that he grasped with both hands. Robson has always had the potential to fly, combining clean and crisp distribution with blistering pace and an eye for the try line, but he’s just never had the extended game time to showcase his full worth. His personal breaks plus his combination with Jimmy Gopperth flourished again on Saturday afternoon and as a unit they've been rock solid. Wasps have others arriving but it's going to take something particularly special to push Robson and Gopperth out of their jerseys next season. 

Alas Wasps weren’t quite as clinical as their opponents and ultimately that cost them their semi-final but Dai Young should be pleased with their progression this season. When Wasps have been at the very top of their game they've ignited the Premiership, and Europe, and proved to themselves how good they can be. George Smith's presence has accelerated the progression of Thomas Young and raised the standards at the club. They have some sparky signings arriving in Tommy Taylor, Danny Cipriani, Marty Moore but all will have to earn their place in the starting XV. 

(C) @PremRugby

I hope that the Exeter Chiefs cracked open a few beers last night to toast their semi-final achievement because the way in which they rode out the second-half and delivered the result deserved a pint or two! However, I guarantee that come this morning [Sunday] Rob Baxter will already have his sights on Saracens. In the aftermath of the game Baxter assured all listening that they ‘would not play like Leicester did’ against Saracens for clearly he recognised the error in Leicester’s ways and knows that his side cannot fall into that trap. 

Exeter must arrive at Twickenham Stadium aware of their opponent's abilities but focused on how they will play their own game against them. From what I've seen there's no chance of the Chiefs becoming overawed by the occasion, instead they'll simply go out and aim to give the best account of themselves possible. Rob Baxter's side may not have won as many awards as Saracens this season, and they may not have as many household names as their fellow finalists, however they're in it to win it and will fight tooth and nail in their first Premiership final.

Premiership Semi-Final - Saracens vs. Leicester Review

Imperious, imposing and highly impressive. 

That’s the short and sweet summary of Saracens’ 44-17 victory that booked their place in the 2016 Aviva Premiership Final. Leicester showed the type of grit and determination that we always expect from them as they clawed themselves back from a 31-point deficit to 34-17 but Saracens reclaimed their authority in style and powered through to the end. 

Saracens have won four of their last six Premiership semi-finals and this was one of their most impressive. Mark McCall's side raced to a 31-0 lead and so many of their first-half points were delivered due to the ferocity of their defence. Saracens forced Leicester into playing the type of game that they shouldn’t have, the visitors played far too much rugby between the 10 metre line and the half-way line and the physicality of their collisions produced errors. From the handling errors, or disruption caused, Saracens capitalised with Chris Wyles and Chris Ashton both showing their sublime finishing skills in the process. 

To the naked eye Mark McCall’s side are in tremendous form but interestingly their Director of Rugby wasn’t as wholeheartedly impressed with his side as the rest of us. We all know that Mark McCall isn’t one for mind games and his critical assessment of their performance wasn’t a tactic to ensure that Saracens remain on their toes. Instead, he expects an eighty minute all court game from his side and didn’t believe that they delivered that on Saturday afternoon.

“I thought that last weekend our performance was incredible and it wasn’t really reflected on the scoreboard and this week the scoreboard was probably too kind to us," said McCall.

"That being said I think that the players deserve huge credit for getting themselves in the right frame of mind to back up from last weekend.

"But, there were areas of our game that we weren’t that happy with to be honest and we need to be better in those areas if we are going to win. At times our defence was really good and led to tries from turnovers but at times we were sloppy especially at the start of the second half. So those areas need to improve for next week."

That said we still saw Maro Itoje, Chris Ashton and Alex Goode fly on home soil (4G surface, you get what I mean) and all should be included in Eddie Jones’ squad tomorrow. Maro’s decision making marvels, Ashton’s finishing is some of the best in the business and Alex Goode really can’t do any more to be England’s starting XV. As brilliant as Saracens’ individuals are as I’ve said before it’s the power of them as a collective that means they are Europe’s best.

Post match Leicester Tigers’ Director of Rugby talked about the quality of their decision making and the fact that, on the day, theirs hadn't been good enough. Ultimately Leicester’s season has been a productive one, let’s not forget this is the first full season with Aaron Mauger as part of their set up and it’s a relatively new squad that are gelling together and developing a new philosophy and style of play. Saracens are more comfortable in their own skin than any other side in Europe and that type of knowledge is something that Leicester will learn to develop. The Tigers are so much more vibrant in attack than they were twelve months ago and with a solid pre-season under their belt will only improve.

The only real concern from Saracens' semi-final outing was the injury sustained by Owen Farrell and immediately after the game Mark McCall didn't know how serious it was. The fly-half has been in such scintilating form and it would be a cruel blow if he wasn't fit to take part in the Premiership Final and of course Eddie Jones will also be concerned after seeing Manu Tuilagi limp off the field earlier in the game.

Ultimately Saturday afternoon was all about Saracens and the impressive manner in which they channelled their energy to book their place in their third successive Premiership final. The European Champions will turn up at Twickenham Stadium and raise their game again and it will take a super-human effort from Rob Baxter's Exeter Chiefs to stop them doing the European and domestic double.