Showdown.

England head coach Eddie Jones has fired back at the doubters ahead of this weekend’s Six Nations opener with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Defending champions Ireland are overwhelming favourites having gone unbeaten in their last 11 games at the Aviva, beating the likes of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, France, Wales and England along the way.

But Jones and his England side firmly believer they can defeat Ireland this weekend,

“It is well documented no one thinks we can win but I can tell you everyone inside our camp believes we can win. We are hugely looking forward to the weekend.” Jones said

“We are hugely looking forward to the weekend,”

“I think it is quite clear to beat Ireland you have to beat them in the contest area,” said Jones. “They are very good at the breakdown and in the air. Both those areas are a priority for us,” 

“Traditionally England and Ireland games are always very close, they are tough affairs, there is a lot of emotion in the games so our ability to finish the game strongly is going to be vital,” 

Roll on Saturday. It’s going to be an absolute belter.