VIDEO: Jones hails England's 'courage' after gruelling win

Jones's men were 12-0 up come the 20-minute mark after wing Jonny May crossed twice for his first two Championship tries.

But Owen Farrell's conversion of May's second try marked the end of England's points-scoring and they had to defend resolutely, with replacement back-row forward Sam Underhill making a superb try-saving tackle on Wales centre Scott Williams in the second half.

This was a very different contest from the 46-15 Rome rout of Italy with which England launched their title defence as Wales, who had enjoyed one day's more preparation, pressed hard after a poor start.

The win was built around a lot of courage and a lot of belief in the team," said Jones.

"I thought the execution of the game plan by the players was absolutely outstanding and our application of courage and effort in defence was first-class."

The Championship will take one of its traditional breaks following Scotland's match against France on Sunday, with England resuming their bid for an unprecedented third successive outright Six Nations title away to the Scots on February 24.

But Jones, whose ultimate goal with England is to win the 2019 World Cup in Japan, promised there would be no let-up ahead of a potentially tricky clash at Murrayfield.   

"When you have success, it is easy to sit back and complacency sits next to you. It is important we keep doing those things that allow you to win those arm-wrestles," explained the Australian, who has now won 24 of his 25 Teats in charge of England.

Agence France-Presse