Gatland praises 'refreshing and honest' Jones
Wales boss Warren Gatland has praised England counterpart Eddie Jones for his "refreshing and honest" outlook ahead of Saturday's RBS 6 Nations showdown at Twickenham.
Jones is currently serving a self-imposed media ban, and he has not fronted an England press conference since immediately after the victory over Ireland 10 days ago, although that exile is due to end on Thursday this week..
New Zealander Gatland is an admirer of the straight-talking Australian, and he said: "Eddie has brought a bit of an edge. What he has done is just expressed himself and said what he thinks.
"He has been honest and opinionated, and I think that's been great for the game. It sounds like the (England) players are really enjoying the environment and thriving on that
"I get on with Eddie well. I think he's been great. He has been refreshing and he has been honest.
"I think when he does say something out of turn, it is important you guys (media) don't jump on him, otherwise he will clam up and stay quiet. Give him the licence to speak his mind and say what he wants to say, without actually analysing everything or making headlines out of things."
Gatland has named an unchanged team to face fellow unbeaten challengers England in what is effectively a Six Nations title decider, retaining the starting line-up that accounted for France 11 days ago, although there are three switches on the bench.
Scrum-half Rhys Webb, who was called into Wales' Six Nations squad on Monday following a six-month injury absence from Test rugby, is among the replacements, along with fit-again lock Luke Charteris and prop Paul James.