Reality check Wallabies players will receive from Eddie Jones as players go into Gold Coast camp
The HARSH reality check Wallabies players will receive from Eddie Jones when players first head to camp on the Gold Coast under the reinstalled coach
- The three-day Wallabies camp begins on April 17
- Chance to impress new coach Eddie Jones
- Jones predicted that he would mentally test some players
- The 2023 World Cup is in France in September
Former Wallabies Morgan Turinui and Stephen Hoiles have revealed the mind games the Australian squad can expect from Eddie Jones as they enter camp on the Gold Coast.
Jones, 63, last coached the Wallabies in 2005 – and was notorious for making former players question their worth.
With the World Cup in France in September, immediate team chemistry is key – and Turinui and Hoiles are adamant. Jones’ master plan is already well underway.
“I assume it’s going to be a lot of information being dumped on these players,” Hoiles said on Stan Sport ahead of the three-day camp.
“Some guys are being called in and they’re going to meet Eddie for the first time. They will be told things they have never heard before, which he expects to get better.
Former Wallabies Morgan Turinui and Stephen Hoiles have revealed the mind games the Australian squad can expect from Eddie Jones (pictured) as they enter camp on the Gold Coast
Acclaimed winger Max Jorgensen will be looking to impress Jones ahead of the World Cup in September
Veteran Michael Hooper is a squad slot for the World Cup in France – but he’ll still be happy to show Wallabies coach Eddie Jones his skills
“A harsh reality will be pronounced against some players… that’s what Eddie does.
“He’ll take some players who think they’re there and have done really well… and then he’ll tell them they’re miles away from being selected for the World Cup.”
Turinui – who played 20 Tests between 2003 and 2005 – believes Jones will be a ‘teddy bear’ compared to 20 years ago – but will still place high demands on the likes of young gun Max Jorgensen, rugby league convert Suliasi Vunivalu and veteran Michael Hooper.
The former running center also believes newly appointed defensive coach Brett Hodgson will play a vital role on the Glitter Strip.
And as Wallabies great George Gregan told Daily Mail Australia this week, Jones’ attention to detail is remarkable and following his sack by England, the veteran mentor will be happy to shock the world with the Wallabies later this year.
After losing two World Cup finals over the course of his coaching career, winning the Webb Ellis Cup would be Jones’ crowning achievement.
Australia is in Group C, with group matches against Wales, Fiji, Georgia and Portugal.