Eddie Jones launches bizarre diatribe claiming World Rugby ‘has bugging devices everywhere’ and is ‘always in the shadows’ before Wallabies coach lashes out at World Cup Opener referee
Eddie Jones is known for his mind games – and the Wallabies coach was at his best during a press conference ahead of Australia’s World Cup opener against Georgia.
Jones, 63, joked that ‘World Rugby was in the room,’eavesdropping devices everywhere’ and are ‘always in the shadows’.
He also stressed the importance of teams at the World Cup having “no black mark on their name” with match day officials.
It comes as England referee Luke Pearce has been confirmed as the man in center for Australia’s Pool C match on Sunday (2pm, AEST) against the Eastern Europeans.
Pearce presided over the Wallabies’ final defeat (41-17) to France – and got into Jones’ skin after he threw off winger Suliasi Vunivalu for what many saw as a hard call.
Wallabies coach Eddie Jones wants the referees to let the World Cup games run smoothly
England’s Luke Pearce will referee Australia’s World Cup opener against Georgia
In a selection surprise, Eddie Jones named Ben Donaldson as his fullback ahead of Andrew Kellaway
Jones later stated that he wants his team to be one that fans admire and respect.
“This group of young men has the opportunity to do that,” he said.
“For such a young team, the way they have behaved in preparation for the World Cup is absolutely first class.
“We also want to be the team that everyone in Australia looks forward to seeing play.
“It’s not about me, it’s about what our players can do. All I’m trying to do is give them the chance to make their dreams come true.’
In a selection surprise, Jones named Ben Donaldson to start at fullback ahead of Andrew Kellaway.
Donaldson, 24, is normally a fly-half, but his goal-scoring prowess will see him appear in the No. 15 jersey for the first time at Test level.
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