JONES: I SHOULD BE DOING THE SCHOOL RUN!

STEPHEN JONES was meant to be taking his three children to school on Monday — but ended up coaching Wales at the World Cup. The former fly-half, who won 110 caps for Wales and the Lions as a player, was drafted in as an emergency replacement for attack coach Rob Howley, sent home for an alleged breach of betting regulations, as revealed by Sportsmail. And Jones (right), who was not due to take up the post until after the World Cup, spoke for the first time in Japan after a whirlwind week. ‘It has been manic, if I am honest,’ said the 41-year-old. ‘But what a wonderful welcome I have had from the boys and the management. ‘I have worked with a number of the players and management before. The senior players were excellent — they took the helm and took the lead — which was great. I found out at home in Cardiff last week. I’d be on the school run now! When I got the call, it was a straightaway decision. ‘I’m very fortunate that I have a supportive wife as well! Obviously, there is a wonderful foundation in place. ‘Warren Gatland has been excellent and said I can evolve things slowly, but obviously I am conscious there is going to be limited grass time.’ Jones will assist incoming coach Wayne Pivac after the World Cup but is now into the task of preparing Wales’s backs to beat Australia for just the second time in 11 years on Sunday. Jones lost six of his nine Tests against the Wallabies — but won in 2005 and 2008, with a 2006 draw. But he is looking forward to the challenge. ‘It’s fantastic,’ Jones added. ‘Last time out Wales were successful against Australia (9-6 in 2018). It will be a massive occasion and it’s the one as players and coaches that you love, big sporting moments. They have lots of talented players, but I look at it from our perspective and our boys will be looking forward to that challenge.’ Wales have lost lock Cory Hill for the tournament. The 27-year-old has not recovered from a leg stress-fracture, despite using oxygen tents, and is replaced by 65-cap Bradley Davies, 32, who arrives in Japan today.