‘It’s a nice way to prepare for the World Cup’ – Eddie Jones

England head coach Eddie Jones was full of praise for his side following their impressive 57-15 win over Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

In their penultimate warm-up game, coach Jones spoke of the importance of having multiple combinations heading into the Rugby World Cup.

He trialled a new-look back-row of Tom Curry, Sam Underhill and Billy Vunipola while he also played a fresh 10-12-13 trio which also impressed.

“I was pleased with the intensity and purpose we played with,” the coach told England Rugby as they now turn their focus to Italy on September 6.

“We went to play a certain way and we did that. We adapted a little bit to the game on the run and I thought the concentration levels were pretty good; we had a couple of lapses but got it back and that is what we are looking for in these games.”

He added: “The combination at 10-12-13 is just another good option. The reality is you need plenty of options at the World Cup and it’s another one. We are pleased with how it went but we have other combinations as well.

“It’s just one game but they (Curry/Underhill/Vunipola) combined really well. Tom Curry has really developed his ball carrying which is important for a six so we were pleased, his defence was good and we know Sam is good around the ball and it freed Billy up and he used his offloading skills and that makes us very dangerous.

“We got good set-piece ball. It was pleasing to be able to move the ball about especially after last week, so it’s a nice way to prepare for the World Cup.”

Tuilagi was named man of the match, scoring a try, but made numerous line breaks in the win and Jones believes his best is yet to come.

“Manu is in a good place, he has a smile on his face, he’s making coffee for everyone apart from me,” joked the head coach.

“He’s getting fitter. He’s only 80 per cent fit and when he gets to 100 per cent he will be a handful. That’s the reality, it’s scary if you have to mark him.”