RORY BEST will not use Eddie Jones’s “scummy Irish” comments as part of his team talk ahead of tomorrow’s grand slam battle with England.
Ireland will chase just a third-ever Six Nations clean sweep with victory over England at Twickenham this weekend.
England boss Jones has apologised twice this week after a video surfaced on Wednesday, in which he used disgusting slurs to criticise Joe Schmidt’s team and called Wales a “little shit place.”
Ireland’s class of 2018 can ink their names into national folklore to stand alongside the grand slam winners of 1948 and 2009 tomorrow — and Best insisted that remains his side’s sole focus.
The 111-cap hooker has remained that adamant Jones’s barbs towards Ireland remain a mere “sideshow,” with a third Six Nations title sewn up but the grand slam still on the line.
Asked if he would use Jones’s comments in his team talk, Ireland captain Best said: “No, no. Look it’s not something we’re focusing on.
“It’ll be a massive game tomorrow, we’re not worried about those sorts of things.
“A lot of players and people have done those private Q&As and I’m sure he didn’t mean it to be offensive towards Ireland or Irish rugby.
“So if we start to get distracted with a sideshow like that and bits and pieces, it takes us away from what is important to us.
“And what is important to us is the 80 minutes of rugby in front of us.”
Ireland swept to the title with last weekend’s 28-8 win over Scotland, but must now end England’s unbeaten Twickenham record under former Australia boss Jones in order to claim the clean sweep.