Thursday Round-Up

Thursday Round-Up
Eddie Jones - "England players must change mindset"

England must "change their mindset" to return to the heights of 2003's World Cup win, says head coach Eddie Jones.

The Australian's named his first Six Nations squad and included seven uncapped players.

"In this squad of 33 there are four or five players who, if they change their attitude, can become world-class players," said the 55-year-old.

"Why haven't England been dominant since 2003? Because they haven't had those players."

"If we do the same as we have done since 2003 then we will get the same results," he added, after his squad announcement on Wednesday.

"To be the dominant team in the world you've got to be better than good and hard-working. It's going to take more than they have ever done in their lives."

Jones admitted that some players would not be happy with the shake-up of the team/

"You will find players that complain about it, but I will be happy because I'll know we are getting change," he said.

"We have to make the players a little bit uncomfortable."


Jared Payne to return vs Oyonnax

Good news for Ulster and Ireland fans as influential centre Jared Payne is set to return in Ulster's Champions Cup clash against Oyonnax.

Payne was added into the European squad last week but wasn't selected for the win in France, however he is set to make his return in the must win clash for Ulster this weekend.

The Irish international has been out of action since fracturing his foot during the World Cup last autumn, with the original prognosis predicting two months on the sidelines.

However the recovery has been slower than expected with niggles along the way.

With Irelan's 6 Nations campaign kicking off in 2 weeks, this is timely return from the New Zealand born player for both province and country.

Payne could start at 15 this week with Louis Ludik out injured and Luke Marshall in fine form at 13. 

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