Eddie Jones has warned France to expect violence in England’s Six Nations opener on Sunday, doubling down on his pledge to unleash “absolute brutality” on Fabien Galthié’s bright young things in Paris. Jones’s comments have been greeted with shock in France but the England head coach was adamant his side would look to physically dominate their hosts. Jones highlighted South Africa’s aggression in last November’s World Cup final as key to their success and in England’s first match since that defeat he has pledged to teach Galthié’s side a lesson. “France can expect absolute brutality from England, we are going to go out there to make sure they understand what Test rugby is. It is about being brutal, it is about being physical and it is about dominating the set piece.” The France team manager, Raphaël Ibañez, responded to Jones’s initial “brutal” comments by claiming “it’s easier to talk about it when you know you’ll be in the stands”. You either win or lose on the gainline and that will be thecaseon Sunday.” Jones has handed a debut to Northampton’s full-back George Furbank, who comes into the side after Anthony Watson was a late withdrawal with a calf injury. Charlie Ewels has been selected alongside Maro Itoje in the second row while Joe Marler starts at loosehead prop with Mako Vunipola a notable absentee from the matchday squad. In total however, Jones has selected 12 of theside who started the World Cup final and conceded that while England begin a new four-year cycle, the scars of the defeat by the Springboks will never heal. His selection also appears to signal an end to Elliot Daly’s role at full-back with the Saracen now switching to the wing but Jones has no qualms giving Furbank his Test bow at the Stade de France, whereEngland have lost on two of their last three visits. He senses where the ball is going to be.” Vunipola was forced to miss Wednesday’s training session with an eye problem but Jones was adamant he was available for selection, though being rested with a view to next week’s trip to Scotland. His brother Billy is also sidelined with Tom Curry switching to No 8 but Jones believes England can cope without both Vunipolas. “We have played without Billy for long periods of time and we have been OK managing without him previously.” Gallery: 12 players to look out for during the Six Nations (ReadSport)
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