Ollie Chessum, who compared Jones to the chestnut racehorse Phar Lap, and Lewis Ludlam, who was awarded the seal of approval by former Australian flanker Simon Poidevin, also get into the starting XV† They replaced Maro Itoje and Sam Underhill who suffered concussions in the second Test.
“He [Ludlam] brings tremendous energy,” Jones said. “He was lucky enough to meet Simon Poidevin during the week. Simon was one of the best number sevens of all time and Simon said how impressed he was with the way Lewis plays.
“Chessum is a good tough player, no-nonsense player, work pace player, red hair, rips, reminds me of Phar Lap. He impressed us during the tour.”
The final Test will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where Jones first saw Ian Chappell captain Australia in the 1970-71 Ashes series. In what could be the final rugby test match at the SCG, Jones now wants England to emulate Chappell’s tough approach.
“That’s how we want to play on Saturday, like Ian Chappell did – walk out onto the field, own it and play with a lot of purpose and a lot of energy, playing together,” said Jones.
“We are looking forward to the challenge. The way he approached his teams, building the strength of the relationship, was tough. It’s something I’ve always admired and tried to do with my teams.”
England, along with Ireland, Wales and Scotland, tied their series to 1-1 in the second Test, but Jones is not worried about wider claims of northern supremacy beyond Sydney. “There’s just an explanation for us. We don’t care what the other guys do, I don’t care,” Jones said. “We will make a statement.”