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“Scary” Eddie Jones has the Wallabies on edge as players openly fear being banished from the 2023 Rugby World Cup under Australia’s ambitious new coach.
A shock replacement for the axed Dave Rennie less than a year out from the global showpiece in France, Jones is adamant Australia has the talent to bring back the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time since his then-Wallabies-coached outfit lost the 2003 final to England in extra time.
Jones, though, can only pick a 33-man squad and is offering no guarantees to anyone ahead of the new Super Rugby Pacific season starting on Friday night.
Even newly-crowned 2022 Australian Super Rugby player of the year Rob Valetini is fretting after only meeting Jones briefly for the first time.
“Quite scary. I’d heard he’s quite a tough man,” Valetini said after receiving his award on Thursday and recommitting to the Brumbies and Australian rugby for four more years.
“So we just chatted a little bit. Mostly about my family and what inspires me to play rugby.”
The powerhouse No.8 admitted he found Jones “less scary” in person.
“He’s been smiling a bit so that’s a good sign, I think, at the moment but we’ll have to see come Wallabies time, if I’m there when the squad’s named,” Valetini said.
Valetini featured in 12 of 14 Wallabies Tests in 2022 but the Brumbies star is rightfully anxious about retaining a spot as he competes with a raft of quality back-rowers including the resurgent Harry Wilson, Jed Holloway, Pete Samu, Fraser McReight and Rob Leota.
“Different coach, probably a different style of playing, I definitely think every spot is up for grabs this year and everybody gets a chance to push their case forward during Super Rugby,” Valetini said on the eve of the Brumbies’ season opener against the NSW Waratahs.
Waratahs captain Jake Gordon, up against Brumbies counterpart Nic White and Queensland’s Tate McDermott for the gold No.9 starting jumper, says the shock of Jones taking over from Rennie has been replaced by awe and excitement six-and-a-bit months out from the World Cup.
“Initially I was shocked. I really enjoyed Dave as a coach. A really good man, great coach, so I was disappointed initially,” Gordon said on Thursday.
“But then you’ve got to change (mindset) that pretty quickly. Eddie’s come in, he’s obviously got a great record. His resume really speaks for itself there.
“So it’s excitement now. I spoke to some of the boys who were in that Australia A program. They see an opportunity this year now, which is great for rugby.
“You’ll see more competitive spots across the board.
“So the inclusion of Eddie is exciting and I can’t wait for the season to start.
“What you’ve seen in other years, you have to perform at Super Rugby level. If you don’t play well, you won’t get picked. It’s pretty simple.”
Meanwhile, Jones sees plenty of Wallabies great Michael Lynagh in young No.10 Tom Lynagh, who will make his Super Rugby Pacific debut against the Hurricanes in Townsville.
The 19-year-old is following in the footsteps of his illustrious father and will play his first game for the Reds on Saturday, while James O’Connor completes his rehabilitation from off-season ankle surgery.
Father Michael played 100 games for Queensland and won the 1991 World Cup with the Wallabies during his 72-Test career.
Tom was born in Italy and grew up in England but opted to relocate to Ballymore in 2021 and pursue his own Wallabies career.
He impressed in the pre-season to leapfrog last year’s back-up No.10 Lawson Creighton and will be given every chance to flourish in Townsville against the Wellington-based team.
“It’s a great story,” Australia coach Jones, who will be at the match, told AAP. “The son of one of the greats playing in Townsville, a great rugby town for Australian and Queensland rugby.
“To make his debut there is fantastic.”
Jones came close to offering Lynagh’s brother Louis a Test debut in his previous role as England mentor.
He said there was little chance of wooing the winger back to Australia too, but the younger playmaker was a chip off the old block.
“I watched him in (a trial game in) Narrabri and club rugby (for University of Queensland last year),” Jones said of Tom.
“Nice skills, outstanding kicker of the ball like his father and has the potential to be a very good player.”
The Reds lost six straight games against New Zealand opponents to finish last season, an O’Connor injury derailing a side that had fought with the ACT Brumbies to be considered Australia’s best.
The Reds led the Hurricanes 17-0 but lost 30-17 last year, while the Brumbies kicked on to just miss the Super final.
Jones knows more is needed to snap a Bledisloe Cup drought that has dragged into a 21st year and has challenged the Reds to set the tone for Australian rugby in Townsville’s season opener.
“Aussie teams want to set the tone; we haven’t won the Bledisloe Cup for 20-odd years and the tone can be set in Super Rugby,” he said.
“Every week that we have a team win gives our boys a bit more confidence.”
Reds co-captain Liam Wright’s (concussion) miserable run of outs continues while fullback Jock Campbell and winger Suliasi Vunivalu both have minor ankle complaints.
Ryan Smith has avoided surgery on a shoulder injury and is fit to play in a boost for their flagging lock stocks.
“Turbo’s (Tom) a good kid; came in last year and was a bit of a shock to him playing with the big boys but he’s really stood up since then and showed he belongs,” Smith said.
“He’s pretty flashy with his kicks and strong carries, passionate and keen to continue on that famous Queensland name.”
© AAP
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