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No quick fix under Eddie Jones: Wilkinson

Former Wallabies mentor Eddie Jones shouldn't be expected to provide a quick fix solution to England rugby, according to champion Jonny Wilkinson.

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Source: AAP


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Jonny Wilkinson insists England cannot expect a quick-fix under new head coach Eddie Jones.

Jones, the former Wallabies mentor, will oversee his first match in charge since replacing Stuart Lancaster in Saturday's Six Nations clash with Scotland at Murrayfield having had only two weeks to leave his imprint on the team.

England are seeking to climb back to the sport's top tier after failing to progress from the group stage of last year' World Cup and Wilkinson insists that alongside France, who also have a new coach in Guy Noves, they will need to show patience.

"It is such a tough balance to strike because both these nations have been used to strong international teams and both quite rightly expect good results," said Wilkinson.

"High-level rugby teams with lasting quality are built from the bottom up, however, and this cannot be done in a few weeks and a harsh conversation or two.

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"The first run out is often not the most challenging because the excitement, energy and desire to prove yourself can combine to make something extraordinary.

"It is the rest of the tournament and beyond where good coaching, man management and preparation will be tested.

"Both of these teams will come out firing, it is a case of 100 per cent or not at all at this level which means committing fully to every decision and ultimately trusting your plan, your team and yourself."

Wilkinson, who oversees occasional kicking sessions with England, insists teams with ambitions of winning the Six Nations must hit the ground running.

"Scotland will be full of confidence after a great World Cup and Wales will carry a lot of momentum from a courageous effort too," Wilkinson said.

"It will be very exciting to see what France, Ireland, Italy and England bring to the tournament.

"We will get a great picture of how these guys plan to carry on after a difficult time and an idea of the future identities of these teams.

"Whoever gels together fastest will prove the most dangerous."


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