England coy on Grand Slam talk after victory over Ireland

England’s victory over Ireland may have maintained their perfect start under Eddie Jones but any talk of a Six Nations Grand Slam is off the cards for now.

Indeed, during his post-match press conference, the Australian joked he didn’t even know what one was.

It appears Jones’ tongue in cheek comments are here to stay. But the players too are refusing to look too far ahead as they search for a first Grand Slam in over a decade. It was in 2003 that England last achieved such a feat and belief is growing that this could be the year to end that barren spell after the champions, Ireland, were seen off on Saturday. However, like his coach, centre Jonathan Joseph insists the players are only concentrating on the challenge of welcoming Wales to Twickenham in under two weeks’ time.

“We feel we are in a good place. The Grand Slam won’t even come into our heads,” said Joseph. “We have got a massive challenge to play Wales, who beat us in the last game. So for us we need to make sure we are fully focused on that and give that our everything.”

Despite England’s desire to keep expectations in check, there is no denying the growing momentum within Jones’ camp. Against Ireland, the hosts were twice down to 14 men and trailed the visitors with 30 minutes of the match left to play.

But they fought back and rallied in a manner which is becoming synonymous with the Jones’ reign. And while sitting top of the Six Nations with a 100 per cent record after three games is a new scenario for some of the England players, Joseph admits something is growing under the new coach.

“It’s pretty good. I’ve not been in this position before, so as a team we feel we are in a very good place and it gives us a lot of momentum going into Wales week,” Joseph added.

“I think we were more positive against Ireland. We felt we put them under pressure, we felt we were in the right spots. It was just slight things that didn’t quite work for us where we didn’t get them quite right. It wasn’t a case of panicking or anything like that. We felt comfortable, we felt we were on top and it was just a case of turning that pressure into points and eventually we did that.

“The first-half could have been a bit better breakdown wise and things like that, but we have got a lot to work on and it gives us good momentum going into Wales.” Wales’ arrival at Twickenham will be the first time England have faced Warren Gatland’s side since they lost to them at last year’s World Cup. That group stage defeat was the beginning of the end for the hosts and led to them exiting their own tournament after just 16 days. The return of Wales to Twickenham gives England the chance to keep their Grand Slam hopes alive, but it also offers them the opportunity for redemption and revenge.

Indeed when asked if the memories of the World Cup added extra spice to next week’s showdown, Joseph said: “You could probably argue that.

“I think everyone - supporters, family, friends, ourselves - we want to get one up on them and prove to ourselves that we are a good side and that we can beat top sides as well. So for us we are going to concentrate hard on this week’s training and make sure we prepare the best we can.”