EDDIE JONES reacted to scrutiny of Dylan Hartley’s ongoing selection yesterday by insisting England’s captain will remain the first name on the team sheet for the foreseeable future.

Hartley was replaced after 46 minutes of the 21-16 Six Nations victory over Wales, has never completed any of the 15 Tests overseen by Jones and since midway through last autumn has failed to last into the final quarter.

Applying pressure on his position is Jamie George, the form hooker in English rugby who made a significant impact as a replacement in Cardiff and produced tackle and carry statistics that dwarfed Hartley’s.