Taking over after one of many least profitable worldwide seasons in Wallabies historical past, new coach Eddie Jones has declared he’s “not the messiah” however has set the lofty aim of successful this yr’s World Cup in France.
Jones, who coached the Wallabies to the World Cup last in 2003, which they misplaced to England, earlier than being sacked in 2005 is again in cost following the axing of Dave Rennie after an underwhelming tenure.
The Wallabies gained simply 5 of 14 Tests in 2022 underneath Rennie, who was contracted till the top of the World Cup. But Rugby Australia officers moved shortly to snare Jones when he was moved on as coach of England.
Two days into the job after arriving from the UK, Jones mentioned successful was the one approach to revitalise rugby in Australia, and that began on the prime.
He spoke about restoring “pride” after the Wallabies slipped to sixth on the world rankings, and successful the World Cup needed to be the aim.
“What wins World Cups and the hearts of people are teams that play with spirit,” he mentioned on Tuesday.
“We want pride back in Australian rugby. That’s the most important thing.
“We’ve got to win the World Cup. If we win, it changes things for rugby in Australia.
“There are about six teams that are separated by a cigarette paper. It’s so tight.
“We‘ve got a really talented group of young players and it’s my job to bond them into a team that every Australian’s proud of.
“While there’s plenty of work to do, I’ll be making sure we turn over every rock in order to bring success to Australian rugby.”
Jones comes with excessive expectations a second time round, having gained the Six Nations thrice with England and racking up 18-straight wins by way of his profitable tenure, which included a number of wins over the Wallabies.
Despite his success with England, and RA’s pursuit of him earlier than signing him to a five-year deal, Jones mentioned it might be a whole-rugby effort, from gamers to directors and even followers, to return the Wallabies to the highest of the world.
Jones mentioned it was his mission to strengthen Australian rugby.
“I’m not the messiah,” he mentioned.
“Everyone is in this together, but sometimes you just need someone to beat the drum.”
New Zealander Rennie, who took over from Michael Cheika on the finish of 2019, was fired after solely 5 wins from 14 Tests final yr.
Jones coached the Wallabies to the 2003 World Cup last in Sydney, a recreation they misplaced to England in additional time.
A famend laborious taskmaster, Jones was sacked by England in December final yr.
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
