Beer the only thing on Jones’ mind
RUGBY UNION: England coach Eddie Jones is focused on “having a few beers” with his deflated players rather than on his future, after his side’s 32-12 Rugby World Cup final loss to South Africa.
There are growing calls for the Australian mentor to take over from Michael Cheika at the Wallabies following England’s thrilling semi-final win over the All Blacks last weekend.
At the post-match press conference, a journalist pressed the Australian, asking if he could see himself launching another four-year project with England’s young side.
“The only thing I’m worried about now is having a few beers,” Jones said.
“And after we have a few beers today, we’ll probably have a few more beers tomorrow. And then probably Monday. And then maybe we have to pull up stumps.”
South Africa’s path to their third World Cup title in Yokohama was forged during a door-die performance against New Zealand a year ago, when coach Rassie Erasmus had been on the brink of quitting.
The Springboks won that September game 36-34 in
Wellington to record their first victory against the All Blacks in New Zealand since 2009, while also wiping away memories of successive losses to Argentina and Australia in the Rugby Championship.
“It was pretty important for us, because otherwise I wouldn’t be sitting here,” Erasmus said.
“We had short-term targets and the Wellington Test match was like a quarter-final.
“Prior to that we had lost to Australia and Argentina and I said that if we don’t win that one, I’m definitely willing to resign.”