“We want to win 3-0 again, but we also want to make sure everyone feels included.”
Just as significant as the results, according to George, was the team on Jones’ first tour that carries important lessons this time around. “If you look at the group, while there is a lot of experience, there are also a lot of guys on their first tour, players who have not played against Australia yet,” said George. “So it’s part of the gel process, but the most important thing is just, ‘Let’s start talking.’ We need to have conversations about anything; whether it’s about rugby or not.
“Those experiences are important, especially because we had such a successful time here. I do not just mean to win 3-0, I mean to have a very good time, experience the cities and have a very good atmosphere within the whole group. We want to try to repeat it. Of course we want to come here and try to win 3-0 again, but we also want to try to make sure everyone feels included and we also enjoy ourselves off the field. ”
Jones’ previous success against the Wallabies does not inspire confidence in the English camp everywhere. Forwards coach Matt Proudfoot bears the scars of previous defeats against Australia as he leads South Africa’s scrum. After also attending the State of Origin match on Sunday night where New South Wales drew against Queensland after losing the opening match, Proudfoot is wary of the setback coming their way.
I think [the 8-0 record] gives you a certain degree of vulnerability, ”said Proudfoot. “You know, the opposition is itching for your scalp. You are vulnerable in stages like this. We did very well to State of Origin, Queensland, unexpectedly, in the first game. In the second game, it turned around. So when you win, you are vulnerable, because your opposition is obviously hurting and wants to come back. ”