Eddie Jones has defended his continued policy of withdrawing captain Dylan Hartley early in games during the Six Nations after facing strong criticism from former head coach Sir Clive Woodward, the Scotsman report.
Hartley was replaced by Jamie George 16 minutes into the second half of England’s surprise 25-13 NatWest Six Nations defeat at Murrayfield a week ago, with Owen Farrell taking over the captaincy.
It came during a period when England’s fightback was seemingly gathering pace, with Woodward one of many to have questioned the thought of replacing the skipper at such a critical point.
When asked about Jones’ substitutions, Woodward said:
My heart sank to see Dylan Hartley go off by pre-arrangement after 55 minutes with his team desperately needing some leadership and inspiration. Can you imagine Lawrence Dallaglio or Martin Johnson going off at Murrayfield with 25 minutes to go when their team are in dire trouble?
Jones has now hit back however, stating that replacing props and hookers is a must in the modern game, despite Scotland’s opposite number Stuart McInally completing the full 80 minutes.
The game has changed in terms of intensity. It’s very hard for front row forwards to play 80 minutes. I’ve seen Mako Vunipola go 77 minutes and he comes off as a physical wreck. It takes half a week to recuperate, without any exaggeration.
With England set to face France in Paris on Saturday, all eyes will more than likely be on Jones’ tactical substitutions.
