Eddie Jones still hasn’t won with Australia. Since taking over the reins of the team, he remains on four losses. Before joining Europe for the World Cup (September 8-October 28) and facing the XV of France in a preparatory match (August 26 at the Stade de France), the Wallabies coach lost his nerves in the face of journalists Australians, during a press conference organized at Sydney airport. He was questioned in particular about the fact that he did not retain longtime captain Michael Hooper and fly-half Quade Cooper.
Eddie Jones said Cooper did not return his call. “I think he’s very upset,” he said, before launching into a rant at reporters at the airport. “I know you think there’s nothing we can do (at the World Cup), so don’t ask questions, guys,” he snapped, becoming sarcastically.
“Remain the pessimists that you are. Keep Australian rugby where it is, keep it where it is. Complain about players not being selected. Keep doing it because it’s fantastic, we like it…’ Australia, eighth in the world rankings, failed to win under Jones in their second spell in charge of the Wallabies, with two defeats consecutive against New Zealand, after those against Argentina and South Africa.
Observers give the Wallabies little chance of winning a third World Cup in France. Eddie Jones nevertheless said he was “more confident” than ever about Australia’s prospects. “I think we have the right squad right now, with a good balance between energy and enthusiasm. We are ready to go (to the World)”, he continued.
“None of you think we can do anything right, so it’s okay,” said the former Japan and England manager. The challenge for us as a group is to show you that we can do it, and to show ourselves that we can do it.” And to assert coldly: “Repeat that we are awful, we will prove you wrong. I feel all this negativity and it’s worth washing it off because it sticks to my skin. Thank you for the worst press conference I have ever seen in world rugby! Well done, truly the worst I have ever seen.”
At the World Cup, Australia – quarter-finalist in 2019 (swept away by England) – will be in Pool C with Wales, Fiji, Georgia and Portugal.
