Jones urges side to play with 'no fear'
England head coach Eddie Jones has urged his team to play with “no fear” in the Rugby World Cup final against South Africa.
Jones, who has named an unchanged starting line-up from the win against New Zealand, said his team were thoroughly enjoying their time in Japan and looking forward to the final in Yokohama (KO 9am GMT, ITV).
"We've had four years to prepare for this game,” he said. “We've got good tactical clarity about how we want to play, we're fit, we're enjoying the tournament - the only sadness is that the tournament is going to end.
"We're having a great time, we want it to continue, but it comes to an end so we've got one more opportunity to play well. We want to play with no fear on Saturday, just get out there and play the game.”
Jones, who will be in charge of his 50th game for England at the weekend, said his team would be up for the physical challenge of South Africa.
"We know South Africa aren't going to give us the game, they are going to come hard. We've got meet their physicality but we are looking forward to that and being able to impose our game on them.
"We can definitely play better, there's no doubt about it. The players know that.
“I have been so impressed by the preparation of players throughout the tournament and particularly this week, there's a steeliness about them but also a nice relaxed feeling because they know they've done the work so they can get on with the job.
"It's all to happen on Saturday, isn't it? That's the great thing. We are like any team, we are a bit anxious, a bit nervous but also very excited about the prospect of playing even better."
He added that his players could be relaxed this week because of the preparation they have done.
“The great thing for us is we know we've done the preparation, we're ready for this occasion,” he said.
“We've spent four years getting ready for this occasion. That's why the players can be relaxed, that's why I can be relaxed because we know we've done the work but we are not relaxed about knowing what's in front of us.
“We know South Africa's going to come hard. They've got a history of being the most physically intimidating team in the world, so we've got to take that away from them.
"The boys know what's ahead of them, everyone knows what's at stake but, because we've had such a good preparation, we know we can go out there and play without any fear.”
Jones also praised the host nation for putting on a great tournament. "It’s been a fantastic World Cup,” he said.
“The Japanese people have been terrific hosts, the stadiums are full, it’s been a great atmosphere – I’ve never seen so many foreigners wearing Japanese shirts at games.
"We had great support at the last game and expect to have good support on Saturday. It’s been a great tournament and I’m sorry it’s going to end.”
