Jones reveals final theory

Eddie Jones believes the success of England and South Africa in the World Cup is down to the strength of the countries’ domestic competitions.

Players from Leicester and Wasps, who met in this year’s Heineken Cup final, make up the majority of the world champions’ team, while the Springboks draw most of their talent from the Bulls and the Sharks, who came face to face in the 2007 Super 14 final.

Jones, who is working as an advisor to South Africa coach Jake White at the World Cup, believes the two World Cup finalists are flourishing because of the “rigorous” competition back home.

“Both set of players come from winning clubs,” said the Australian, who coached the Wallabies in the 2003 World Cup.

“The players are in form and have been playing in rigorous competitions in winning sides.

“That produces players who do well at World Cups, which exacerbates teams’ strengths and weaknesses.

“The two sides have come through because they are products of rigorous competition. Underneath the Super 14 and the European Cup are the Guinness Premiership and the Currie Cup.

“It’s reflecting because players are coming through and are now doing well in their national teams.”

Throughout the World Cup, Springboks coach Jake White has been hailing the impact Jones has had on the squad.

The experienced 47-year-old was denied World Cup glory in 2003 as England won 20-17 in extra-time thanks to Jonny Wilkinson’s last-gasp drop goal.

Now he could finally get his hands on the trophy this weekend.

“You move on,” he said. “In 2003, we played as well as we could but England were better and deserved to win.

“This year, South Africa are the best team and if we play well, we will get the result we want.

“I won’t think ’this makes up for 2003’. But I might throw the silver medal away!”

Jones has spent some time in England’s Premiership with Saracens, and will begin a three-year coaching contract with the London club at the conclusion of the World Cup.

He hopes his knowledge of the English game could be of use to the Springboks this week.

“The Premiership has certain characteristics and there has been the influence of certain sides coming into play this tournament,” he added.

“There is no doubt that within the tournament there has been a change of philosophy with England. There is a group of players who have influenced how they have played.

“So having coached against those sorts of players, it might help a little bit to understand where they will get their advantage.”

Jones claims his role this week will be to keep the Springboks, who will start this weekend’s match as favourites, focused on the task in hand.

“It’s about getting your preparations right and not letting distractions get to you,” he said.

“The week leading up to the World Cup final is probably the easiest because you have been together for six or seven weeks by then.

“It’s just about reinforcing the good things and not allowing negative thoughts to creep in.”