England defence coach Paul Gustard up for the challenge as Eddie Jones demands more
The Australian has long been known for his high standards and ridiculous work ethic and he continues to drive his side forward
England defence coach Paul Gustard will not be downcast by head coach Eddie Jones’ frank assessment of his work and plans to use it as motivation to improve.
Jones has told Gustard, credited with turning Premiership champions Saracens into one of the best defensive teams in Europe, that he “has got to get better” despite England’s perfect record since the Australian took charge last year.
“I worked with Eddie before and knew he would be frank. I don’t mind that. I don’t want to be an ordinary coach, I want to be the best coach I can be,” Gustard said.
England won this year’s Six Nations before travelling to Australia and beating the Wallabies 3-0. They conceded 10 tries in the series, however, and Jones demanded defensive improvement.
“It’s not unfair criticism, it’s a critique,” Gustard said.
Like father, like son: uncapped Josh Beaumont in England squad
“If you take it personally, then it’s your ego and the game isn’t about us, it’s not about our ego, it’s about the players.”
Gustard has since spent time with the New Zealand Warriors rugby league team and oversaw an England training session with professional judo coaches this week.
“I was looking at league’s defensive systems and stuff around the tackle,” Gustard said.
“There are transferable skills from judo. We missed 80 tackles in the series against Australia and that’s not good enough.”
England host South Africa, Fiji, Argentina and Australia in November and December in the autumn internationals.
