Alan Quinlan lent his insight into the mind games of Eddie Jones ahead of this week's Six Nations clash at Twickenham next Sunday.
Speaking to OTBAM the man with the best shoulders in the office concluded that Jones is a "decent fella" and the Australian just loves "stirring the pot" ahead of big games.
'After getting to know him, he's a decent fellah, who just loves stirring the pot...'
Alan Quinlan on meeting the England boss after taking exception to comments he made about Johnny Sexton
Full #OTBAM video ➡️ https://t.co/mFjVCjv0NI pic.twitter.com/wEsiGjXBHR— Off The Ball (@offtheball) February 17, 2020
Quinlan appeared a little wary of Jones and his tone so far this week, with the England coach in a complimentary mood.
"He started speaking last week about how he respects Ireland and how good they are."
Given how close England were pushed in Paris and Edinburgh the former Munster flanker wondered if that forced a change in approcah to the press from Jones.
"He hasn't thrown any barbs in yet, he did it for France talking about the brutality and how the French players wouldn't be able to live with it and it kind of backfired on him a little bit.
"There was a bit of talk around the Scotland game too, from some of the English players which was surprising, how 'they hate us, we hate them."
Crossed a Line
Quinlan says his opinion of Jones has changed over the years. "I used to think when Eddie Jones spoke about Johnny Sexton a number of years ago and his safety and all that stuff and his parents should be worried, I thought he crossed a line there."
"After getting to know him a bit, I think he's definitely a decent fella who just loves stirring the pot a little."
There is a clear method to what Eddie Jones attempts to do in press conferences according to the dual Heineken Cup winner.
"He's trying to put doubt (in the opposition). He's more or less admitted that. Jones was asked after the Scotland game, why he does it. He says it's to try and create a little bit of uncertainty in the opposition camp."
Ahead of the game in Twickenham, Quinlan thinks the England coach will be wasting his time attempting to upset the Ireland camp.
"I don't think it's going to have any effect no matter what he says this week."
Quinlan did, however, speculate on the potential tactics of Jones in the press this week, suggesting it will be one of either end of the spectrum.
"He might try to question Ireland's mentality, and say they are brittle after the World Cup or else he'll tell them they are the best team in the world and that they are great."
