Coaches’ mutual fan club in ‘respectful’ sport of rugby

Tokyo – England coach Eddie Jones (below) contrasted what he said was rugby’s down-toearth attitude with that of football superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as he lauded All Blacks boss Steve Hansen ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster World Cup semifinal.

Jones and Hansen are two of the most successful coaches in the modern game, with the latter looking to guide the All Blacks to a third-straight World Cup title at Japan 2019 and fourth in total.

But his side must first beat a resurgent England in Yokohama this weekend.

The coach of his native Australia when they lost the 2003 World Cup final to England and the mastermind behind Japan’s shock victory over South Africa in England four years ago, Jones is no stranger to pre-match “mind games”.

But there has been little in the way of verbal fireworks at this tournament, with the England coach delivering a glowing assessment of Hansen’s record.

“Steve’s a good bloke,” said Jones. “That’s No 1. Secondly, he’s got a great record.”

Jones said it was rugby’s culture of “respectful relationships” that set it apart from other codes.

“You’ve got the Canadian and Namibian blokes cleaning up the ground [after their pool match in Kamaishi was cancelled because of typhoon Hagibis]. Could you imagine Ronaldo or Messi doing that if Barcelona or Real Madrid gets a wash?”

Hansen was equally complimentary about Jones.

“He’s got a work ethic second to none. He just loves the game and anyone who loves the game gets my support.

“Rugby’s a special game and those of us who have been around for long enough understand that the game is bigger than everybody else.” –