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Glen Ella: Eddie Jones' rugby knowledge is 'ridiculous'

Glen Ella (left) is hoping to help England to a series win in Argentina. David Rogers/Getty Images

England are hoping a 53-year friendship can help them get back to winning ways against Argentina.

Head coach Eddie Jones has once more turned to former Australian international Glen Ella for assistance after the pair combined for a period during England's remarkable 18-match winning run.

That sequence was ended by defeat against Ireland in their last match of the Six Nations and England will be desperate to avoid a second successive loss when they take on the Pumas in the opening Test in San Juan on Saturday.

Ella, who was right-hand man to Jones when Australia lost to England in the 2003 World Cup final, did not hesitate when he got the call.

"I probably got the call from Eddie halfway through the Six Nations," Ella said. "He has been very successful and we have got a good relationship. Any call from Eddie you drop everything to come over.

"It was my birthday the other day, I am 58, and I have known him for 53 years."

Ella is perfectly placed to assess the strengths and weaknesses of Jones, who is 18 months into a four-year contract and already preparing for the 2019 World Cup.

"What makes him different, his passion for the game," Ella said. "He does everything 150 per cent for the players.

"The preparation of his team, he leaves no stone unturned so, because of the effort he puts in for the players, the players reciprocate by giving 150 per cent for him.

"His knowledge of the game is ridiculous. He is so astute. Being a backs coach at times he can be a bit annoying because he is well-knowledged on the running lines of the backs and what the backs should be doing.

"With some head coaches I have had a forward coaching and it is always great to work with them like that but he is very astute - he knows what is going on in every facet of the game.

"He picks things up on the run, especially under pressure when Test matches are on and yes he receives feedback from other coaches, but he is the one that makes the decisions very quickly. It is fantastic."