Simon Easterby has slammed Eddie Jones's critical comments about Ireland's ability to retain possession.
Jones apparently compared Ireland's tactical approach to Premier League side Stoke City and claimed that Joe Schmidt's side kick away possession ''60% of the time.''
Schmidt was first to respond, saying that the statistic was inaccurate.
"Ireland have kicked less than a quarter of the possession we have had, which doesn't correspond with the statistics which have been reported".
HIGHLIGHTS: It's a 100% win record for @englandrugby in the #SixNations after beating @federugby last weekendhttps://t.co/AgBs8KOi3H
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) February 19, 2016
"Someone like Eddie is going to throw things out there, throw some comments out there, and that's great. We'll take that and bat it off. We've got to focus on what we're doing.''
"I think there's a temptation to be drawn into something there with what he has to say, about any team, whether it's us or any team that he's coaching against."
"It is what it is. Characters like that are good for the game, and we'll see come Saturday night how much of that rings true."
Having drawn the opening game against Wales and suffered a one point defeat in Paris to France, Ireland are now facing another difficult task this weekend as they chase their first win at Twickenham since 2010.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
