Eddie Jones cites Argentina as biggest threat to England’s unbeaten run, more so than Australia
England head coach Eddie Jones has warned his side that Argentina will provide the most venomous threat to their unbeaten run this autumn when battle commences at Twickenham on Saturday.
Jones has made four changes to the XV which started last week’s 58-15 demolition of Fiji with second row George Kruis replacing the suspended Joe Launchbury and flanker Tom Wood, full-back Mike Brown and wing Jonny May all recalled.
The Red Rose are currently 12 games unbeaten – 11 under the stewardship of Jones – as they bid to navigate 2016 without defeat and equal a national record of 14 secured by Sir Clive Woodward’s vintage.
Jones considers Argentina to be the greatest risk to England’s immediate ambitions, seemingly more so than Australia, who his side whitewashed during the summer and conclude their autumn fixtures against on 3 December.
“This game against Argentina is a big step up for us as they were probably the second best team in the Rugby Championship and played some exceptional rugby,” said Jones.
“They are a quality team, have power in the forwards, speed and guile in the backs as well as great experience. We appreciate they have threats across the field and they have always been a physical, tough side.
“They still have their set-piece armoury in the scrum and line-outs so we’re looking forward to a great game of rugby against them.”
Saracens lock Kruis is set to make his first appearance of the autumn after ankle surgery less than a month ago and will partner Northampton’s Courtney Lawes in the second row.
May has been named in the side at the expense of Bath flyer Semesa Rokoduguni, who scooped the man of the match award against Fiji, as regular starter Brown replaces Alex Goode and Wood comes in for Teimana Harrison.