Mum's the word as Jones apologises for Argentina outburst

Eddie Jones has said sorry for a foul-mouthed outburst during England's 21-8 victory over Argentina at Twickenham last weekend after being told off by his 93-year-old mother.

The England coach vented his anger during the second half, with television cameras showing him slamming down a notebook in the coaches' box in the second half and mouthing a series of expletives criticising the team in what he later labelled a "grindathon".

After issuing an apology, the Australian said a reprimand from his mother had left its mark above and beyond all other criticism.

"I got a phone call this morning from my mother -- who is 93 -- rapping me over the knuckles," Jones told the BBC Rugby Union Weekly podcast.

"She still tells me not to swear," the former Australia and Japan coach added. "So I am in trouble with my mother and that's a big enough punishment for me. I am in the dog house and certainly won't do it again."

He added: "I think everyone was a bit frustrated on Saturday and I was one of them and I should have shown more self-control.

"Usually I am pretty good and I have apologised for the language I used. It's not acceptable and I'll find a different way to express myself in the future."

- 'My fault' -

Victory saw England make it 20 wins in 21 Tests under Jones, the only blot on his coach's Red Rose record a defeat by Ireland in Dublin in March that denied the side a repeat Six Nations Grand Slam.

As for a faltering display against the Pumas, Jones said he had to carry the can.

"I thought our effort and application were first class. Argentina are a difficult team, but I obviously didn't coach the team well enough," Jones said.

"It's my fault the team didn't play well so I take full responsibility for that," he insisted ahead of England's match against his native Australia at Twickenham this coming Saturday. "I just didn't coach them well enough."

Meanwhile England fullback Mike Brown could yet feature against the Wallabies despite landing heavily on his head and going off in the 22nd minute following an aerial challenge with Joaquin Tuculet that saw his Pumas counterpart shown a yellow card.

Two years ago, the Harlequins No 15 had a lengthy spell on the sidelines after being knocked out against Italy.

"Mike is doing really well," Jones said. "He did some bike today (Monday). There are set protocols on return to play and he's progressing pretty well. I'd think that at this stage he's still in contention.

"The medical staff are very in tune with the players' welfare. That's at an absolute premium and that's the first thing we take into consideration."

Jones, Australia's boss when they lost the 2003 World Cup final to England, is aiming for a fifth successive victory over a Wallabies team coached by Michael Cheika, his former team-mate at Sydney club Randwick.

"Australia were beaten by 50 points in the first Bledisloe Cup game (against New Zealand) and the second one they won," Jones said. "They've really turned it around through some very good coaching.

"Their selection has been good, their defence is very good, their set piece is strong.

"They're playing some good rugby and are probably the form team in the world at the moment."

Source: AFP