Farrell hit a ‘solid tackle’, says Jones

England coach Eddie Jones labelled Owen Farrell’s hit on Andre Esterhuizen a “good, solid tackle” after his team’s win over South Africa.

Farrell’s penalty with eight minutes remaining proved decisive as England edged to a 12-11 win over the Springboks at Twickenham on Saturday.

However, the fly-half was left waiting nervously after his late tackle on Esterhuizen was reviewed for a possible shoulder charge, but it was cleared to give his side victory.

Jones, who could still be without Farrell for next week’s clash against New Zealand if the playmaker is cited, was satisfied with the 27-year-old’s tackle.

“I wasn’t really thinking anything, to be honest,” he told a news conference.

“I was just thinking, ‘I hope he doesn’t penalise us’, that’s what I was thinking. I think that’s pretty natural, isn’t it?

“Look, it was a good, solid tackle.”

It’s full time at Twickenham and England have got the 2018 #QuilterInternationals off to a winning start with victory over South Africa #ENGvRSA #CarryThemHome pic.twitter.com/tuMuieuL0C

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 3, 2018

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