Alun Wyn Jones says that England boss Eddie Jones delivered “probably a poor choice of words” in making controversial comments about Ireland and Wales.

The England head coach issued an apology on Wednesday night after footage emerged of him describing Ireland as “the scummy Irish” and Wales as a “little s*** country” during a talk on leadership that was given last year.

Eddie Jones File Photo
England head coach Eddie Jones caused controversy with comments he made about Ireland and Wales. (Adam Davy/PA)

Jones’ remarks were put to Alun Wyn Jones following the Wales captain’s run ahead of Saturday’s NatWest 6 Nations finale against France in Cardiff.

“Eddie talks a lot. What he says, he says,” the Wales skipper said.

“Whatever he said about Wales, it’s my country.

“I am not here to say whether somebody says something is good or bad. It’s probably a poor choice of words on his part, I’m guessing.

“Uncle Eddie will be able to sort himself out.”

Victory for Wales over Les Bleus is likely to secure the runners-up spot behind champions Ireland, and Jones will lead his team fresh from re-signing a national dual contract with the Welsh Rugby Union and Ospreys.

It is the third such deal for 32-year-old lock Jones, who first agreed an NDC in March 2015, and it is significant heading towards next year’s World Cup. He wins his 117th cap this weekend.

“I am thankful for the collaboration between the WRU and Ospreys, which will look after my best interests and enables me to play the best rugby possible,” Jones added.

“To be continuing my journey with the Ospreys is probably something I wouldn’t have predicted at the start of my career.

“But having the opportunity to sign a new NDC at this point helps with the quality and quantity of the rugby that I play, and hopefully will prolong my playing opportunities.”

France have not beaten Wales in Cardiff since 2010, and while they arrive in the Welsh capital fresh from beating England six days ago, they will face a side seeking to preserve a 100 per cent home record in this season’s tournament.

Jones, meanwhile, is among seven changes from the team that beat Italy in bonus-point fashion last Sunday, with the likes of fly-half Dan Biggar and centre Scott Williams also returning to action.

“If we win, we’ll get second, and that’s the aim,” Jones said.

“That is the best possible finish we can aim for, with Ireland having won the championship. It’s a definite focus for us.

“We had a better start out of the blocks than we’d had in recent years.

“A couple of games probably went astray with average starts, and then we had our opportunities at the end , and if we had capitalised, we could be in a different position now.

“So, disappointed not to be vying for the championship in the last game, but there are pleasing points in the performances that we’ve shown. A lot of players have had opportunities, and hopefully the strength in depth is there.

France v England – NatWest Six Nations – Stade de France
France players celebrate their Six Nations victory over England. (Gareth Fuller/PA)

“If they (France) get a roll on with the specimens they have up front, it’s going to be a tough day at the office.

“We know they have made a couple of changes, and we are wary of that, whether it’s their danger at scrum, line-out or in general play. We are wary of the side they have.

“A French side home or away is very dangerous, and we will expect that tomorrow.”