Wednesday 24 February 2016 11:07, UK
Ireland cannot afford to get drawn into a war of words with England ahead of Saturday's Six Nations match at Twickenham, according to forwards coach Simon Easterby.
England head coach Eddie Jones has fueled tensions before the match by criticising Ireland's style of play under Joe Schmidt.
Jones claimed that Ireland kick possession away "60 per cent of the time" and likened their style of play to the tactics once employed by Premier League football club Stoke.
Schmidt hit back by criticising Jones' statistics and rejected his claims that Ireland are a one-dimensional side.
However, Easterby says Ireland need to focus on their own preparations, rather than Jones' comments.
"Someone like Eddie is going to throw things out there, throw some comments out there, and that's great," said Easterby.
"We'll take that and bat it off. We've got to focus on what we're doing.
"I think there's a temptation to be drawn into something there with what he has to say, about any team, whether it's us or any team that he's coaching against."
The former Scarlets flanker believes that Jones intended to irritate the Ireland squad ahead of a crucial fixture this weekend.
"We've just got to focus on what we're doing and not get drawn into too much of what he's talking about," said Easterby.
"It is what it is. Characters like that are good for the game, and we'll see come Saturday night how much of that rings true."
Ireland, the defending champions, head into Saturday's game on the back of a disappointing 10-9 defeat to France in Paris.
Schmidt's side need a win at Twickenham to maintain their slim hopes of retaining the title, while England will be hoping to maintain their winning start to this year's campaign, following an impressive 40-9 win over Italy in Rome last time out.
