Jones apologises
England head rugby coach Eddie Jones has apologised for swearing on television after Sunday’s stuttering win over Argentina – having received a telling-off from his 93-year-old mother. Australian Jones was frustrated by his team’s patchy performance in their 21-8 victory at Twickenham and his frustration boiled over during a post-match interview. ‘‘I have apologised for the language I used,’’ Jones told the BBC. ‘‘I got a phone call this morning from my mother – who is 93 – rapping me over the knuckles. I am in trouble with my mother and that’s a big enough punishment for me. She still tells me not to swear. I am in the doghouse and certainly won’t do it again.’’ The challenge of World Cup qualifying was laid bare yesterday when the worst nightmares of Italian football were realised in Milan.
On the eve of the All Whites’ door-die clash with Peru, four-time champions Italy lost their World Cup playoff with Sweden.
The Azzurri were denied by a stoic Swedish side, unable to score a goal at home after losing the first leg 1-0 in Solna.
Italy are a staple of the global tournament and, usually, a force to be reckoned with.
Since 1934, Italy have only missed one World Cup, coincidentally, in 1958 in the Sweden-hosted event. Despite failing to get out of their group at the past two editions, they were champions in 2006 and are generally viewed as perennial contenders.
Italy’s demise meant a sad farewell to international footballer for their veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who had hoped to become the first player to appear in six World Cup finals in Russia next year.
‘‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Not for me, though, but for [Italy],’’ Buffon said.
Italy joined the Netherlands, South American champions Chile and African champions Cameroon as powerhouse countries that won’t be appearing in Russia.