England's progress pleases Eddie Jones ahead of Ireland test

By Mike Patterson

England head coach Eddie Jones has described Maro Itoje as a 'work in progress'

Eddie Jones is pleased with the progress his players are making and believes England are capable of becoming the most dominant team in the world.

The Australian has started his reign with back-to-back away wins over Scotland and Italy in the Six Nations and he will be able to measure their progress when defending champions Ireland visit Twickenham on Saturday.

Jones is expecting a tough test from Joe Schmidt's side despite their stuttering start to the campaign which has been them draw 16-16 with Wales and lose 10-9 to France.

"We know we have got to improve for this game against Ireland and I think there has been a corresponding level in the training that's lifted over the last two weeks," said Jones.

"I've been very impressed. Every time we have a session I see improvements; I see the players working diligently on their skills; I see the back rowers at the end of training today working on their breakdown skills; the kickers did extra kicking at the end of the session, and they are developing.

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"I said last night to a sponsors' group 'I don't think the players realise how good they can be' and I think they are starting to realise it now.

"It's about giving them the stimulus to make sure they reach their potential. I think English players have probably underachieved for a fair period of time and hopefully over the next three years we will get them to achieve what they should achieve.

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"We aim to be the most dominant team in the world and I think we are capable of doing that."

Image: Joe Marler will start against Ireland

Harlequins prop Joe Marler will start for England against Ireland after impressing as a replacement against Italy, with Mako Vunipola dropping to the bench, while Saracens lock Maro Itoje has been handed his first start after Joe Launchbury was ruled out with a hamstring problem.

"Joe and Mako are both vital players to our team - one starts and one finishes - and we feel the balance is right for Joe to start this week and Mako to finish," said Jones.

"We're really disappointed Joe (Launchbury) is not playing. He's worked very hard to get in the team and clearly he was our starting choice at left-hand lock. We are lucky enough to have a guy like Maro to come in and we have got Courtney Lawes on the bench, so we have got good depth.

Image: Maro Itoje's aerial skills will be an asset to England

"Maro is a big aerial threat so his skills in that area will come in handy. (But) the reason Maro is starting is because Joe is injured. Maro is a work in progress. He is going to be a good player, but let's just make sure we allow him to develop."

Itoje is only 21, but Jones expects him to handle the big occasion at Twickenham.

He added: "Maro is a pretty laidback boy. Some of the players call him 'The Chosen One' so he gets a bit of stick within the team which is good - you have got to be able to handle that. But he is a level-headed, bright boy and I think he is going to be able to handle it.

"He has done all we have asked him to do over the last period of time and deserves his start."

Image: Elliot Daly is Jones' 'Swiss Army knife'

Wasps centre Elliot Daly makes a matchday squad for the first time and Jones is delighted to have him among his replacements.

"Daly is a useful player, he is going to be a good player for England and he fits in our bench well this week," added the Australian.

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"He's got a left-foot kick, plays 12, 13, he's a great utility off the bench - a bit like a Swiss Army knife as he can do a number of things. He is quick and he keeps impressing."

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