Jones on mission to inflict misery
A RUTHLESS Eddie Jones foreshadowed a repeat of one of Australia’s most humiliating moments at next year’s World Cup, following an ugly confrontation with a Wallabies fan during the 2-1 series victory at the SCG.
The Tasmanian-born former Wallabies coach was labelled “a traitor” by a spectator in the stands and had to be held back by a team official as he yelled “Come here and say it” repeatedly, before being forced to walk away.
After his England side claimed the Ella-mobbs Trophy following Saturday’s 21-17 victory in the decider, Jones revealed he’d already worked out his team and Australia could meet again in the World Cup quarter-final next year in France.
And if that happens, he wants a repeat of 2007 – when England smashed the Wallabies’ scrum in Marseille to win 12-10 – before they lost the final to South Africa, where coincidentally Jones was then an assistant coach.
If England win Pool D and the Wallabies finish runner-up in Pool C to Wales, as was the case at the 2019 World Cup, the two sides will meet at the same venue as Australia’s 2007 shame.
“I’ve had a look at it, vaguely, we’ll be in Marseille somewhere,” Jones said.
“In 2007, I was with South Africa, and I remember walking in the ground and all these Australian supporters were saying ‘da da da da’.
“Anyway, we get in there and I’m in a nice box, polo shirt on, shorts, with Jake White, having a nice cold Heineken and watching England absolutely demolish the Australian scrum.
“So that image is in my head mate.
“But the only difference is I won’t have a nice cold Heineken in my hand.”
Jones is preparing England’s campaign by visiting NRL and AFL coaching heavyweights Craig Bellamy and Simon Goodwin this week.
Meanwhile, Wallabies coach Dave Rennie expects Quade Cooper, Jordan Petaia and Scott Sio to recover from injuries to be available for The Rugby Championship starting in three weeks against Argentina, while Darcy Swain will return from suspension.
But it will be a far more enjoyable week for Jones and his coaching team, who will be in Melbourne visiting the Storm, Demons and Carlton.