As Australia approaches the World Cup (September 8-October 28) with no certainty, its coach, Eddie Jones, has just been confirmed in his role as consultant as director of rugby for the Japanese team Tokyo Sungoliath, owned by the Suntory Company, the oldest alcoholic beverage manufacturing and distribution company in Japan. Will he then leave his position as Wallabies coach after the World Cup in France? Or continue to do both?
Since replacing Dave Rennie at the head of the Wallabies last January, Eddie Jones has four defeats in as many games. Saturday, in New Zealand, against the largely reworked All Blacks, Australia lost again, 23-20. One more setback that did not dampen the frenzied optimism of the Wallabies coach. To the question are you confident for the World Cup, the former coach of Japan and England answered, bravado, “100%”! “Actually, I think we will win it. If I could bet on it, I would. But I think you’ll be in trouble if you bet…”