Wales look tired, claims Jones

Wales' match with Ireland could make or break England's Six Nations campaign and Eddie Jones says the leaders are tiring.

 

 

 

 

England head coach Eddie Jones believes Wales' fatigue could cost them the Six Nations Grand Slam as they host Ireland on Saturday.

Wales are in pole position heading into the final weekend of the championship, knowing victory against the defending champions will secure the title.

But Ireland can still triumph themselves, while an away win in Cardiff would open the door for England to steal top spot with victory over Scotland.

Jones foresees a "fascinating" weekend, but he is hopeful that Ireland and England can capitalise on a tiring Welsh side.

"I think it's a fascinating close to the tournament," he said. "You've got three teams who can win it.

"Wales are a very good team, very well coached. Great credit to them for what they've done, but they are starting to look a bit tired.

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"They've made more tackles than anyone else in the tournament and they're playing against an Ireland side that seems to be peaking at the right time.

"You look at guys like Conor Murray, [Johnny] Sexton, [Garry] Ringrose and [Peter] O'Mahony, guys that weren't in great form at the start of the tournament that are now starting to come to the fore.

"I'm sure the crowd's going to help Wales overcome that tiredness, but it's going to be a great game."

However, while England's fate could be sealed before kick-off against Scotland, Jones' focus will remain on the Calcutta Cup clash.

"We don't have any plan [about the Wales game]," he added. "We don't need to have a plan because all we're worried about is ourselves.

"The only thing we can control, regardless of the result, is how well we play. It's our last game of the Six Nations, our last game in front of our home crowd and we want to put on a good performance. We're focused on that.

"If Wales win, so be it. If Ireland win, so be it. We're ready to play well ourselves."