Eddie Jones has unloaded on a gaggle of journalists throughout a dramatic presser at Sydney International Airport on Thursday, which the Wallabies coach labelled the “worst press conference I’ve ever had in world rugby”.
Hours earlier than the Wallabies touring camp boarded their flight to Europe forward of their Rugby World Cup marketing campaign in France, Jones suggested the media pack to “give yourselves uppercuts” after being quizzed about choice selections and the shock departure of assistant coach Brad Arthur.
“I can’t believe the level of negativity here boys … you’re so bloody negative about everything,” Jones instructed reporters.
“We’ll go out there and do our best, so if you haven’t got anything positive to say, don’t ask please.
“I know you blokes think we can’t do any good, so don’t ask any questions boys. Just be the pessimists you are, keep Australian rugby where it’s been.”
“I love this negativity it’s fantastic,” he continued. “I love it, I love it. Keep going. I love it. Keep going. Keep going. Keep going. Keep going.
“We’re terrible. You know we’re terrible. Just tell us we’re terrible. And we’ll prove you wrong.
“I can feel this negativity, I’ve got to wash myself off.”
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Jones, who’s but to register a victory since taking on as Wallabies coach this yr, defined that Arthur give up on the eve of the World Cup because of “family reasons”. The 63-year-old stated he had a “potential candidate” to exchange Arthur, however wouldn’t disclose who.
The Australian coach additionally confirmed experiences that playmaker Quade Cooper, who was dropped from the Wallabies squad forward of the marquee match, wouldn’t decide up the cellphone when contacted about his axing.
“I think he’s very upset,” Jones stated.
“I don’t know why you’re going back to that. We’ve got to move on.
“You’re still talking about players we haven’t selected. That’s all been done and dusted.
“If the players are unhappy with the selection process, so be it. We’re moving on to a new young squad who are going to take Australia rugby forward.
“What we’ve had over the last eight years hasn’t been good enough, and we want the opportunity for these young players to go forward.
“I’m disappointed if the players are upset, but all I can do is ring them, and if they don’t take your phone call, you can’t talk to them.
“What do you want me to do? Tell me. Then why keep asking about it?”
The Wallabies have misplaced 4 consecutive Tests forward of their World Cup marketing campaign, ending backside of the Rugby Championship ladder after struggling defeats in opposition to South Africa, Argentina and New Zealand (twice).
However, Jones declared he was “more confident” Australia would return from France with the Webb Ellis Cup than he was firstly of the yr.
“We’ve got the right squad now,” he stated.
“We’ve got the right balance of energy and enthusiasm. We’ve got youth on our side, we’re ready to go.
“None of you guys think we can do any good, and that’s all right. The challenge for us as group is to show you that we can, and show ourselves that we can.
“It’s a great image for Australian rugby to have a young team ready to take on the world.”
Jones gave the media scrum one closing quote earlier than heading in direction of the departure gate.
“Thanks for the worst press conference I’ve ever had in world rugby,” he muttered.
“Well done boys, that is the worst I’ve ever seen.
“Forget it, boys. You ought to give yourselves uppercuts, boys.”
Wallabies captain seems to mentors | 00:55
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
