Six Nations 2016: Eddie Jones plays down England's high penalty count

Eddie Jones insists England’s discipline in not a major worry despite conceding 13 penalties in Rome yesterday.

It followed the 12 they gave away while defeating Scotland and with Ireland boasting the goal kicking of Lions No10 Johnny Sexton, England must improve their discipline before they host the defending champions on February 27.

Jones is adamant it is where the penalties are conceded that is crucial and restricting the opposition goal kicker’s opportunities remains the important message to his players.

“The key is knowing when to give away the penalty and the game is played on a knife edge — what’s legal and what isn’t,” said England’s head coach. “I am not concerned about the number of penalties — I am concerned about when we give them away.”

England have not conceded a try in the opening two matches for the first time since 1991 — when they went on to claim the Grand Slam. Their defensive excellence is even more impressive given they only had limited time with Paul Gustard, the former Saracens defence guru, in the lead up to the Six Nations.

He said: “There are two or three things we have to pick up on leading into the Ireland game which is another tough challenge. It is important we grow as a team. We fatigued Italy in the first half and then we accumulated points in the second and had a stranglehold on the game.

“We knew Italy had dangerous players but we have got some very good players in our team and it was about galvanising them so that we got a collective effort everyone could be proud of.

“It is pleasing as defence coach that the opposition haven’t got over our line in two games but if the system breaks down at any point it will be my fault because I haven’t coached them well enough.”