Rory Best will not use Eddie Jones’ midweek ‘scummy Irish’ comment as part of his team talk ahead of Saturday’s Grand Slam clash with England, Sky Sports report.
England head coach Jones has apologised twice this week after a video came out on Wednesday, where Jones criticised Joe Schmidt’s team and also criticised Wales.
Best and Ireland will win just a third Six Nations Grand Slam in their history with victory over England at Twickenham on Saturday.
However, Best has admitted that he will not be using Jones’ comments as part of his pre-match team talk to rally his side.
Asked if he would use Jones’ comments in his team talk, the Ireland captain said:
No, no. Look it’s not something we’re focusing on. It’ll be a massive game on Saturday, we’re not worried about those sorts of things. A lot of players and people have done those private Q&As and I’m sure he didn’t mean it to be offensive towards Ireland or Irish rugby.
Ireland’s only previous Grand Slam titles came in 1948 and 2009, with Best and full-back Rob Kearney the only survivors from the 2009 triumph and the 35-year-old admits they will need a perfect performance for a third Grand Slam.
