Steady, Eddie . . . all wily Italians did was
During his successful stint with Japan, Eddie Jones was known as an innovator; the World Cup victory over rugby superpower South Africa in Brighton two years ago was inspired by his unorthodox approach. It was seen as a David v Goliath triumph and made waves around the world.
Now Jones, an outspoken Australian, is in charge of a superpower himself — England — and, after his team’s 36-15 Six Nations victory over Italy at Twickenham, he was in no mood to congratulate the visitors for their innovation in not contesting the breakdown and therefore not being bound by the offside line.
In fact, as his fellow countrymen might say, he was filthy.
The Azzurri, brilliantly coached by Irishman Conor O’Shea and former Springbok Brendan Venter, led England 10-5 at halftime and completely bamboozled the English attack until a flurry from the home side in the final 10 minutes.
“I’m not happy with what happened — I don’t think that’s rugby,” Jones said afterwards. “I was remembering Trevor Chappell, mate. Remember Trevor Chappell, bowled underarm along the ground. Similar rules today.”
Yes and no, Eddie. Australia, the dominant team, were cynical in the extreme in pushing the laws of cricket to the limit and beyond when denying New Zealand a tie at the MCG in 1981; Italy, by contrast were just looking for a competitive edge. They have never beaten England and were rank outsiders at Twickenham.
Jones is, of course, a master at using the media to deflect attention or put pressure on opposition