Jones on Ashton, Lawes and Twickenham support
England head coach Eddie Jones is banking on a “buoyant” Twickenham crowd to help his side to victory in Sunday’s Six Nations match against France (KO 3pm).
Jones’ side opened their tournament with a 32-20 victory over champions Ireland in Dublin and he is expecting England to carry that momentum into the weekend.
And he expects home advantage to be a factor on Sunday.
“We can’t wait to play in front of our supporters,” he added. “I’m sure they will be buoyant by the first round results and we promise we will play a better game on Sunday.”
England are without Maro Itoje through injury with Courtney Lawes replacing him at lock while Chris Ashton starts his first Six Nations games since 2013 in place on Jack Nowell, who is named as a finisher.
Jones says he is excited to see the impact Ashton could have in the match, and believes there is great strength in depth in the squad reducing the impact of losing Itoje.
“It is unfortunate Maro is injured but he has been rehabbing well so we are hopeful he will be back earlier than maybe first predicted,” said Jones.
“We have got great depth in the squad so Joe Launchbury and Courtney Lawes will fill his shoes very well.”
Jones added: “We have gone for Chris Ashton on the wing; we think he might sneak us a try early in the game. Jack Nowell was brilliant against Ireland and he’ll play a significant role for us off the bench.”
France are seeking a first victory in this year’s tournament, having lost to Wales in the opening round.