On the ropes, but England coach up for World Cup ‘sparring’

England takes on the might of South Africa, double world champions New Zealand and Australia, plus Japan, in November, but Jones’ struggling side has been hit hard by the loss of what he claims is “320 caps” worth of experience, mainly through injury.

With the World Cup in Japan fewer than 12 months away, Jones describes the autumn series as just “sparring,” but after a string of poor results this season he acknowledges he could be out of a job if they lose all four matches.