As Ireland look towards their crunch tie with old rivals England tomorrow, Brian O'Driscoll and former England great Jeremy Guscott, addressed the scathing comments issued by Eddie Jones during the week.
The England head coach made critical remarks about the Ireland management and medical staff as well some ruthless statements about France intentionally targeting Johnny Sexton.
Speaking to Ger Gilroy on this evening's Off The Ball, Jeremy Guscott and Brian O'Driscoll said that up to now, Eddie Jones has been an enjoyable character to observe. But they also stressed that Jones went too far this week.
Guscott said that while he hopes Eddie Jones stops this behaviour soon, he also pointed out that there maybe a clever explanation for his statements.
''It's a bit unnecessary but I also think it's quite smart. It's deflected the attention and focus and hasn't allowed the media to pinpoint England and where their weaknesses are.''
Shocking high tackle on Dave Kearney by Guirado #FRAvIRL pic.twitter.com/eIgwixx3pf
— Muddy Rhino (@MuddyRhino) February 13, 2016
O'Driscoll said:
''I've been a big fan of what Eddie Jones has said so far. He's not afraid to bring back that confidence bordering on arrogance and that's where England can be at their best.''
''But these comments (about Johnny Sexton) aren't good for the sport. He's questioning the integrity of the sport and that's a very dangerous road to go down.''
Similarly, both O'Driscoll and Guscott insisted that the Irish players will be mature enough to rise above Jones' antagonising comments.
Guscott said that Irish players will think of this as ''manna from heaven'' while O'Driscoll pointed out that parents are the ones who will be the most fearful.
''Johnny (Sexton) is not reading that and thinking 'oh he's concerned for me.' It affects his parents and parents the world over. His comments aren't good for the sport. Medics wouldn't put their reputation on the line and you have to trust them.''
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