Under-Pressure Wallabies Coach Eddie Jones Lashes Out at Negativity Ahead of World Cup
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Under-pressure Wallabies coach Eddie Jones on Thursday lashed out at "all the negativity" as the team departed for the Rugby World Cup after what he called the "worst press conference I've ever had in world rugby". The Australian team has been struggling since the former England boss took over, having lost four straight matches and facing an uphill battle to get their campaign back on track.
In an attempt to turn things around, Jones named an inexperienced squad last week, surprising pundits by dropping veterans Michael Hooper and Quade Cooper and appointing Will Skelton as captain. Jones is adamant that a generational change is needed and was visibly frustrated when questioned about the team's chances at Sydney airport. "I can't believe all the negativity here boys," he said. "I know what's wrong with Australian rugby and part of you blokes are the problem because you're so bloody negative about everything."
Cooper, who was widely expected to be on the plane as first-choice flyhalf, has reportedly refused to return Jones's calls. When asked if he had personally spoken to the 79-Test veteran, Jones became increasingly flustered. "I'm disappointed the player is upset, but all I can do is ring them. If they don't take the phone call, you can't talk to them," he said. "What do you want me to do? Tell me. Then why keep asking about it?"
The 33-man squad that Jones has named for the World Cup includes eight players who have previously played at the tournament, as well as three debutants, including scrum-half Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 18-year-old back Max Jorgensen, and prop Blake Schoupp. Jones is confident that the team has the "right balance of energy and enthusiasm" to make an impact. "We've got youth on our side, we're ready to go," he said. "None of you guys think we can do any good, and that's all right. The challenge for us as a group is to show you that we can, and show ourselves that we can."
Australia will open their World Cup campaign against Georgia in Paris on 9 September before facing Fiji, Wales and Portugal in Pool C. Jones is determined to prove the doubters wrong and take the Wallabies to the top. As he left for the plane, he had a parting shot for the press. "Thanks for the worst press conference I've had in world rugby. That is the worst I've ever seen," he said. "You ought to give yourselves uppercuts, boys."
With the Wallabies heading to France on the back of a string of defeats, it remains to be seen whether Jones's bold selection decisions and passionate rallying cry will be enough to turn their fortunes around. All eyes will be on the team as they strive to prove the doubters wrong and make a run for the World Cup title.
