Under the impressive guidance of Australian Jones, though, England embarked on a long unbeaten run that ended in March with defeat to Ireland, and have won two successive Six Nations titles, so they are likely to start the tournament as group favourites.
But France are showing signs of considerable improvement under new head coach Guy Noves, and Argentina are consistent top-drawer World Cup performers.
Ireland and Scotland were pooled together at the draw, with Japan also in their pool.
Ireland will be favourites to win Pool A as they set about trying to improve a World Cup record that has never seen them progress beyond the quarter-finals.
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