Eddie Jones begins mind games with Joe Schmidt before Six Nations

Eddie Jones refuses to believe that Ireland’s national set-up gives them an advantage over his England team.

Jones is seeking to mastermind an unprecedented third successive NatWest 6 Nations title and his reigning champions have been installed as odds-on favourites to retain their crown, with Joe Schmidt’s men behind them in second.

England have compiled 22 wins from their 23 Tests under Jones, but it is Ireland who enter the tournament buoyed by the imminent qualification of three provinces for the knockout phase in the European Champions Cup, contrasting with the troubled campaigns endured by Aviva Premiership teams.