The fake war has started between coaches Michael Cheika and Alan Jones ahead of the Wallabies’ match against the Barbarians in Sydney.
Jones named an incomplete squad at Friday’s squad announcement for the October 28 clash, bemoaning how Cheika snatched a few of his players at late notice.
Jones’ 24-man squad included eight players from axed Super Rugby franchise Western Force, headed by captain Matt Hodgson.
There are seven capped Wallabies in the mix to face Cheika’s charges, with the most notable being Barbarians captain Quade Cooper.
Jones coached the national side during a golden era that featured the 1984 grand slam. More recently, he has been among the most-ardent critics of the Australian Rugby Union during the Force bungle.
The talkback presenter engaged in a different kind of slanging match on Friday, putting his tongue in cheek while attempting to halt the sport’s slide into obscurity in Australia.
“This fake war between Cheika and Jones, if it creates some interest, it’s a good thing,” he told reporters.
“We’ve had great difficulties. Every day we pick a side, we then have to cross many of them out (because Cheika wants them in the Wallabies’ set-up).
“There’s several players playing for him who want to play for us. That’s likely to affect their performance, don’t you think?”
Cheika quipped in response that “possession is nine tenths of the law”.
“They’re playing on our contracts – we’ll keep as many as we can,” he said.
Jones confirmed the one-off appearance would be the extent of his coaching comeback, regardless of the result.
“I’m a candidate if Cheika keeps failing like this,” he joked.
Jones later reiterated his support for Cheika, declaring he was the man to help the Wallabies return to the top of world rugby.
“This Australian team is infinitely better than they’re given credit for,” he said.
“Everyone who knows rugby knows that I’ve supported Michael Cheika long before he became Wallabies coach.
“In difficult circumstances he has done a very good job.
“I’m disturbed with the extent people have written off the game. We’ve had problems administratively and it’s not fair they get shovelled onto the players.”
BARBARIANS
Anaru Rangi, Andrew Ready, Augustine Pulu, Chance Peni, Eto Nabuli, George Moala, Isi Naisarani, Jacques Potgieter, Kane Koteka, Luke Jones, Matt Hodgson, Matt Phillip, Michael Ruru, Pek Cowan, Quade Cooper, Richard Arnold, Sam Carter, Sam Greene, Sam Ward, Taniela Tupou, Taqele Naiyaravaro, Theo Strang, Tim Nanai-Williams, Tom Banks.
piru
Roar Rookie
Given that that's the best line most of you lot can come up with, I've heard it adnauseum for the last 12 years! I just assume it's a spelling mistake and move on these days
piru
Roar Rookie
Right, that would be why there's a feeding frenzy for ex-Force players from the Easterners clown
PeterK
Roar Guru
I wish people would not confuse sexist comments with misogyny. Misogyny is genuine hate of women and this would be a very small minority of people who are actually being sexist.
BOGGLES THE MIND
Guest
^ Is that all Train Without A Terminus ?? This is rugby, move on. They should promote it as " THE PARROT v THE CLOWN "
BOGGLES THE MIND
Guest
Many Questions need answers.-We will find out more after Saturdays match I suspect, will Michael Cheika give Alan Jones the superior Faulkner Rodda and Tui or will he give him Hanigan Robertson and Simmons?- Will he rest Foley so Quade doesn't show him up? Cheikas coaching career is riding on this game.He must choose correctly-Lose to the ABS and then to Jones, it definatley should spell the end of Cheika as National coach.He must be sacked forethwith.
jameswm
Roar Guru
So shaping like this 15. Banks 14. Nabuli 13. Nanai-Williams 12. 11. Peni Naiyaravaro 10. Cooper 9. Ruru Pulu 8. Naisarani 7. Koteka Hodgson 6. Potgieter 5. Luke JonesRichard Arnold 4. Matt Phillip Sam Carte 3. Tupou 2. Ready 1. Cowan Anaru Rangi, Moala, Sam Greene, Sam Ward, , Theo Strang,
Rebellion
Guest
Women’s sport is going gangbusters because it’s being funded by men’s sport. Do you really think enough viewers tune in to watch women’s rugby or AFL to make it viable as a professional sport ??? Get off your high horse and show a little gratitude - rather than crying poor in your mortgage free mansion
waxhead
Guest
AJ - people like you with no ethics, and no moral values, are exactly what's wrong with Australian Rugby and Australian society in general imo :) You don't care about anything except yourself.
waxhead
Guest
Any event with any involvement by Alan Jones should be totally boycotted by ALL, 100% of the time :)
Cuw
Guest
he only gets upset when the Force is called a Farce :P
Cuw
Guest
which one? Kardashians i mean :P
Cuw
Guest
given it is not a test , i will be surprised if Hooper even gets to the bench !! :P
Olly
Guest
He is not brave enough to run a full strength team out against the Barbarians so it will mean little in the end. He always needs an excuse. I am very interested in seeing Banks. The guy is a good all round player with speed.
Cuw
Guest
is it true he was voted into the team by fans??
Cuw
Guest
maybe he is injured or not in form. not seen him with the |Blue Bulls in a couple of matches.
Train Without A Station
Guest
Because he is a horrible person that on multiple times has been found guilty of defamation and contempt of court, as well as breaching radio guidelines, promoting the Cronulla riots and cash for comments.
Rebellion
Guest
Hear Hear !
Bakkies
Guest
One uncapped player.
Bakkies
Guest
George Moala not a Kiwi?
The Slow Eater
Guest
Listen I don't agree with her comment. Something that gets a bit of positive interest in rugby is a good thing but I don't think you need to be degrading either. Your halo comment was good though.