Australia’s head coach, Eddie Jones, who previously guided the team from 2001 to 2005, including to the 2003 World Cup final, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with what he termed as “negative” media. His criticism came following the announcement of his World Cup squad, and questions arose before the team’s departure to France for the tournament.
Notable omissions from the squad were back row Michael Hooper and fly-half Quade Cooper. Additionally, attack coach Brad Davis resigned earlier this week.
Jones did not mince words during a news conference, stating, “I know what’s wrong with Australian rugby, and part of you blokes are the problem.” He went on to chastise the media by saying, “Thanks for the worst press conference I’ve ever had in world rugby. Well done – the worst I’ve ever seen.”
He further voiced his frustration by lamenting, “I can’t believe the level of negativity here. You’re so negative about everything. We’re going off to a World Cup you think we can’t win. Tell us we’re terrible, and we will prove you wrong. I can feel this negativity – I’ve got to wash myself off because it’s just sticking to me.”
Since beginning his second tenure with Australia in January, after seven years as the head coach of England, Australia has not won a single game in four Tests. The squad he named for the World Cup is notably inexperienced in the professional era, with one newspaper likening his selection to a reckless gamble.
Jones’s irritation continued during the conference, and he sarcastically responded to a journalist’s question about his team’s prospects with, “Nothing, mate. We’re terrible. I love this negativity – it’s fantastic. I love it, love it – keep going, keep going, keep going, keep going, keep going.” Upon leaving, he had some parting words: “Go give yourselves uppercuts.”
Quade Cooper, who was expected to play a vital role in the World Cup after recovering from a serious Achilles injury, has reportedly refused to speak to Jones since being left out. When asked about it, Jones said, “I tried to ring him and I can’t get a hold of him. If I ring them and they don’t ring back, what do you want me to do?”
Jones explained that Davis’s resignation was due to family reasons and indicated that he already has a replacement in mind.
Australia’s World Cup campaign will begin on September 9 against Georgia and will include matches against Wales, Fiji, and Portugal in Pool C. The tournament will be held from September 8 to October 28.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword Eddie Jones
Who is Eddie Jones, and why is he criticizing the media?
Eddie Jones is the head coach of Australia’s rugby team, and he criticized the media for what he perceives as negative coverage following his announcement of the World Cup squad. He expressed his frustration during a press conference, calling it the worst he’s ever had.
What were some notable exclusions from Australia’s World Cup squad?
Back row Michael Hooper and fly-half Quade Cooper were left out of the squad, and attack coach Brad Davis resigned earlier in the week.
When and where is the World Cup taking place?
The World Cup runs from 8 September to 28 October, and Australia will start their campaign in France against Georgia on 9 September.
Why did attack coach Brad Davis resign?
Jones said that Brad Davis resigned “a couple of nights ago” for family reasons.
How has Australia performed since Jones began his second spell in charge?
Since Jones began his second spell in charge of Australia in January, the team has lost all four Tests. His selection for the World Cup is the most inexperienced Australian squad in the professional era.
What was Jones’s sarcastic response to a question about his team’s prospects?
When a journalist asked about what he sees in his side, Jones interrupted sarcastically, saying: “Nothing, mate. We’re terrible. I love this negativity – it’s fantastic. I love it, love it – keep going, keep going, keep going, keep going, keep going.”
5 comments
The negativity from Jones may be justified but it reflects poorly on him. Should’ve handled the press better imho.
cant believe cooper’s left out. What’s Jones thinking? this is gonna be a tough world cup for us 🙁
Eddie’s right, the media’s too negative. Let’s give the boys a chance! Go Australia!!!
Jones’s attacking the media again huh. What a surprise. I mean what does he expect if the team keeps losing
Quade’s omission is unaccptable! who’s gonna fill his shoes now? Very disappointed in the decision making here.