It’s taken four days and some elite obfuscation from Wallabies coach Eddie Jones, but he’s finally denied he “applied” for the vacant job as Japan head coach.
And at the Wallabies team naming press conference on Friday Jones was pressed again by media over reports in the Sydney Morning Herald that he had interviewed for the position.
“I’ve already answered that before. I’ve already said that before. I said no, previously. I am just worried about the Portuguese game,” said Jones.
“I am 100 per cent committed to the job and I’ve said that previously.”
As the Brave Blossoms battled to a win over Samoa at the World Cup, an interview with Jones with a sympathetic reporter emerged in The Australian.
When Jones was asked about the report in the Sydney Morning Herald after his team’s atrocious 40-6 loss against Wales Jones said “I don’t know what you’re talking about, mate.” Considering he had been made aware by team media, that was, at best, an act of misdirection.
But on Friday Jones was clearer than he has been previously on the matter – which has seen plenty question his suitability for the job after the World Cup – although there was still plenty of wriggle room in his comments
“I haven’t applied for a job for a long time,” Jones said.
However, it is understood Jones has a standing invitation to coach Japan, so he would unlikely be required to apply. The Australian report did not clarify if he did interview for the position via a Zoom meeting as the Herald report claimed.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
“Someone has a story and they are running with it,” he added.
“And the only thing I can say is I’m committed to coach Australia. And there’s the other side of the coin that Australian Rugby who make the decision after this World Cup, whether they want to keep me or not, and that’s up to them.
“Whatever goes on, I’ve come back to help Australian rugby. So if I become an issue, then I’ll have to go. I’m pretty even-tempered about it.
“I’ve just got to keep doing what I think is right. That’s the only motivation I’ve got. I want to leave Australian rugby in a better place whenever I leave. That’s the job I’ve got to do and I want to do and I feel strongly about and I believe in.
“This is something I knew would take need a lot of work. I’m putting down some foundations that are going to help Australia in the future. And I’m prepared to pay the price of any personal hardship.
“Whenever you take over a new team and the team you have had is not good enough you have to start again, and that involves some pain. And you have to be prepared to take the pain. Otherwise don’t coach.
“It takes five or six years to build a World Cup winning team and you have to go through a bit of hardship to do that. You look at that England side in 2003. In 1998 they brought a young side out to Australia and they got beaten 76-0 by Australia and England ended up winning the World Cup in 2003.
“What I’ve noticed coming back to Australia is that we’re reasonably comfortable just being where we are and that’s only going to get worse and worse. so we need to have a great aspiration of being the best in the world.”
While Jones has yet to honestly discuss the issue with reporters in France he will get the chance later Friday when he names the team to play Portugal this weekend. Although when asked to deny or confirm the report after the Wales game, he threatened to walk out of the media conference.
His assistant, Pierre-Henry Broncan, said Thursday he believed Jones would be coach of Australia in 2024.
“Yes, of course. I am sure about it because he’s a great coach. I understand everything about it and I think in his head he wants now to find the best solution for the Australia national team and his country. He is the right person. It is not just a problem of Eddie Jones or the players today, I am sure about it.”
Sofa Coach
Roar Rookie
Interesting take Ace. I agree with your observation- he certainly isn’t presenting like he’s ready to retire. His passion and commitment is still clearly evident. Let’s hope so – such a tremendous servant of the jersey certainly deserves a far better send-off than he has received. And yes, Poey almost single handedly won that 2011 RWC QF for the Wobs, which many Saffas have never really had the good grace to acknowledge; instead they have never forgiven Bryce Lawrence and ended the career of a good ref with their bullying. As a true rugby super power, their form in this area is disgraceful. They are good enough on the field without having to resort to mobster style referee intimidation off it to get their own way. Rassie’s hideous attack on a Nic Berry, that earned him effectively no real punishment, is still a blight on this current Bok set up IMO.
Guess
Roar Rookie
Exactly. Aru doesn't like normal coaches they prefer drama queens. Is it any wonder they end up with drama every time..
Hughi
Roar Rookie
He may have helped get Australian Rugby to get realistic and fix the inherent problems in AR. He is a misunderstood genius and has resolved our problems by bringing the team to rock bottom. Thanks, Eddie we can take it from here.
numpty
Roar Rookie
Oh I can imagine coz I had that very argument with many that the head coach's role involved also being the marketing pigeon. What's frustrating is that we went through this exact same trajectory for cheika to Rennie, and then we decided to do it all again :crying:
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
or maybe he feels like he's not done. George Smith and Gits were similarly incomprehensibly left out of 2011 world cup squad by Deans. George Smith came back 2 years later to play the Lions under Dean's. Ps IMO it was that error of leaving out gits and Smith in 2011 where Deans lost the Aus rugby public. They lost a pool game with Pocock injured and no backup 7. then only beat SA in the quarters because Pocock singlehandedly won the game by being immovable over the ruck. SA have never forgotten the ref that game.
TOC RUGBY
Roar Rookie
I suggest that it's not a case we have fallen behind, but more that other teams have Improved, we have not lost the ability to be inventive and spontaneous.e.g. Campo. Once the Christian schools, loss there way in the eighties, Australia Rugby lost a lot of grass root feeds. I don't think the press has helped, we are not supported, by the commercial TV stations, that can be fixed, by RA winning over one or two, the rest will follow. Phil, is doing a lot of great work to set up a platform for younger players to consider Rugby. These journalists, who keep.sniping at Eddie with some offer, from Japan. Where is your evidence? Put up or shut up, if you're wrong I hope he sues you. Here's a challenge for you, find six good things that the Wallabies and coaching staff are doing right, and six more positive, constructive actions, that would improve the game that do not include sacking someone, or kicking them in the guts while their down.
Rohan
Roar Rookie
There's a difference between saying "I didn't apply" and "I didn't interview". He was likely interviewed, but for all we know he could've been consulted about other candidates. Its suspicious that he's been less than fully forthcoming. Easy to clarify, but clarity seems alien to Eddie.
Rohan
Roar Rookie
Compare the Wallabies v Wales under to them under Jones. 39-34 v 6-40. One a spirited comeback win full of character, the other a spineless capitulation. Compare the other close wins and losses of Rennie's team and Jones's single victory over Georgia. Its hard to believe people can't see that EJ is responsible for the current debacle. He's taken us backwards at a rapid pace.
Rugbynutter
Roar Rookie
Whether Eddie right appointment valid debate but to me things have been and are so dire just changing coaches or again reshuffling the deck chairs seems a bad move. But yes RA foremost and then Eddie are on notice that need to see more dramatic change in improvement. Personally I would focus on RA leadership performance and accountability first as that is where heads should roll first if don’t see more positive reform and change. The fact they have not addressed super rugby clusterduck and lack of third tier is of concern, not withstanding lack of funds, nzru internal rather then regional focus to grow the game / footprint.
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Yeah he missed the train.
Hughi
Roar Rookie
How true is it that the players decide if they want to keep Eddie?
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
He knew England's biggest challenge to making the final was overcoming Wallabies in our lopsided half of the draw, and has a secret bonus provision in his England contract, of a Million GBP if England make the final. His lawyers drafted this in a manner whereby it is payable, even AFTER he is sacked by England, should it eventuate! There, now we all understand :thumbup: Cheers KP
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Also Jez We are also all overlooking something. Maybe Hamish agreed to Eddie's request for an out clause in his 5 year contract, if Japan came sniffing, and Hamish obliged, but told Eddie he wanted that their secret! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :unhappy: :unhappy: Two birds: bye bye and good luck Eddie. Bye bye Hamish thanks for not too much! Cheers KP
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Bliksem Doubt Dick Hardwick was having those discussions two days prior to flying to France. And a better example would be if he had agreed to play for Namibia, on basis if would be captain. Sorry, but your attempt to "reasonableness" Jones' conduct, by comparison to what might be no big deal in corporate world, flies in face of all emotional intelligence. Especially, given the role Jones must have known he was playing, in ejecting Rennie. The facts would appear to be, that Jones has LIED blatantly, in a press conference, to shield himself from criticism. It is that fact, as much as the build up, which requires him to resign. I'll cease boring on... Cheers KP
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Ace I've considered going back to buying the SMH. Long time since I thought the Oz was a mandatory read fir it's rugby columns by WayneS and Mella. Cheers KP
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
:shocked:
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Was going to point that out, you were faster :silly: By that math, the World Cup cycles need to move to 5-6 yrs then surely? Sorry for those arak fans out there but he seems to be just chock full of bravado and bullsh!t
Ad Tastic
Roar Rookie
Yeah, but theyre usually in the top 3 ranked. All I'll ask is when's the last time the Wallabies won 3 straight matches against QF and above quality opposition? 10 years ago ? 15 years? They had zero chance.
ScrumStability
Roar Rookie
If I had walked into the head coach and seen a wreak of players after Eddie's psychological torture I would have sounded the alarm too. John deserves an apology for the pile on after his prescient warning.
ScrumStability
Roar Rookie
I was going to go further and pray they he gets it. Australia needs to be delivered from these lies.