Telfer slams ‘Trump-like’ Jones

Scotland legend Jim Telfer has blasted England coach Eddie Jones for acting like US President Donald Trump.

In the buildup to the start of the Six Nations, the former Scotland loose forward told BBC Sport that Jones's attitude to winning as well as his rugby philosophy was flawed.

'The way he speaks, it's a bit like Donald Trump. He wants to be the big man, you know?' Telfer told the BBC.

'His goal is to win the World Cup in 2019 and so far it's gone well, but I think he could be a little more circumspect, show a bit more respect for the opposition. He doesn't seem to show much respect and it could come back to bite him.

'Eddie Jones doesn't want to beat teams, he wants to demolish them, which I find a bit disappointing,' Telfer continued. 'To me he's building his whole team on set-piece and the building of the attack comes secondary. Having coached Australia and Japan you would have thought the opposite would be the case.'

Jones was recently asked if his methods mirrored those of the US president.

'Yes, like Trump. Trump's clever, there's no denying that,' the England coach told the Daily Mail.

'My vision was that they should be more “English'” so I kept repeating the message in different ways. The mantra “Make America great again” – he repeats and repeats it. Americans were pounded with that message.

'People on the television say, “I think he can make America great again”. There's no evidence he can; but he's convinced them. He's changed mindsets. That's how you win. And having super-talented players,' said Jones.

England begin the defence of their Six Nations title at home to France on Saturday.

Photo: Adam Pretty/Getty Images

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