Optimistic Jones says Aussies can return to the top
EDDIE Jones has put the All Blacks and the world on notice: “We’re coming for you”.
The new Wallabies coach was unflinching in his mission to win back the Bledisloe Cup and World Cup this year, despite having just months to prepare a group of players he’s never worked with before.
“Our plan is to win the World Cup,” Jones said.
“If we win the World Cup it changes things for rugby in Australia. So our target is to win the World Cup then we'll worry about what happens after that. To win the World Cup, we’re going to take this talented group of players, who are going to have to work together to make a team that has a competitive edge over the rest of the world.”
Holding his first official press conference in Australia since taking the job from Dave Rennie a fortnight ago, Jones returned to his old school at Matraville Sports High, flanked by old classmates, the legendary Ella brothers Mark, Glen and Gary.
Before the World Cup campaign, Jones’ Wallabies will play the All Blacks twice, on July 29 in Melbourne and August 5 in Dunedin, to win back the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 2001.
“I think they’re in a pretty good spot, but we’re coming after them,” Jones said.
“We’re going to be chasing them down the street, and that’s a good thing.
“We want that rivalry to be tough and I think New Zealand want it as well, so we’ll make sure we’re chasing them.”
Despite the two decades of failure against their trans-Tasman rivals, and not having won the World Cup since 1999, Jones says the current group will not be crippled by mental anxiety over the repeated near misses.
Jones said world No.6 ranked Australia has the talent to win the World Cup later this year in France.
“What I do know is that our players don't lack talent,” Jones said. “If you did a World XV today on talent you‘d have a fair few Australian players.”