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Ella answers England tour SOS from Jones

Glen Ella has answered another SOS from long-time friend Eddie Jones to join the coaching staff on England's rugby union tour of Argentina.

England coaches Eddie Jones (L) and Glen Ella
Glen Ella has answered an SOS from long-time friend Eddie Jones to join the England coaching staff. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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England are hoping a 53-year friendship can help them get back to winning ways against Argentina.

Head coach Eddie Jones has once more turned to former Australian international Glen Ella for assistance after the pair combined for a period during England's remarkable 18-match winning run.

That sequence was ended by defeat against Ireland in their last match of the RBS 6 Nations and England will be desperate to avoid a second successive loss when they take on the Pumas in the opening Test in San Juan on Saturday.

Ella, who was right-hand man to Jones when Australia lost to England in the 2003 World Cup final, did not hesitate when he got the call.

"I probably got the call from Eddie halfway through the Six Nations," said Ella, who also assisted Jones during the Red Rose's 3-0 series win in Australia in June 2016.

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"He has been very successful and we have got a good relationship. Any call from Eddie you drop everything to come over.

"It was my birthday the other day, I am 58, and I have known him for 53 years."

Ella is perfectly placed to assess the strengths and weaknesses of Jones, who is 18 months into a four-year contract and already preparing for the 2019 World Cup.

"What makes him different, his passion for the game," Ella said. "He does everything 150 per cent for the players.

"The preparation of his team, he leaves no stone unturned so, because of the effort he puts in for the players, the players reciprocate by giving 150 per cent for him.

"His knowledge of the game is ridiculous. He is so astute. Being a backs coach at times he can be a bit annoying because he is well-knowledged on the running lines of the backs and what the backs should be doing."

With no fewer than 30 players unavailable because of injury, suspension and the demands of the British and Irish Lions, Jones has taken one of the youngest squads ever assembled on their tour to South America.


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