Coach Jones curses media negativity around Wallabies
Defiant coach Eddie Jones turned on the media as the Wallabies prepared to fly out for the Rugby World Cup in France, saying they are determined to prove their critics wrong.
Winless in four Tests since replacing Dave Rennie in January, the pressure on Jones keeps increasing ahead of the tournament which gets under way next month.
Jones made a number of shock selection choices last week in his World Cup squad, including dumping long-time captain Michael Hooper and veteran playmaker Quade Cooper, who has refused to answer any phone calls from the veteran coach.
Eddie Jones speaks to the media at Sydney Airport. Getty
A testy Jones was unhappy to be probed about his player selection at Sydney Airport before the team’s departure on Thursday and said the media were too negative.
He described the press conference as the worst he had experienced in his many years in world rugby.
“I know what’s wrong with Australian rugby and you blokes are part of the problem because you’re so bloody negative about everything,” Jones said.
“We’re going off to a World Cup you think we can’t win, you think the selection process is bad because the players complain.
“We’re terrible. You know we’re terrible. Just tell us we’re terrible, and we’ll prove you wrong.
“I can feel this negativity, I’ve got to wash myself off, it’s sticking to me.
“Thanks for the worst press conference I’ve ever had in world rugby – you ought to give yourself upper cuts, fair dinkum.”
Jones said Cooper, who was overlooked with youngster Carter Gordon the preferred No. 10, was “very upset” and he had tried to contact the 35-year-old.
“I tried to ring him and I can’t get a hold of him – that’s all I can do,” Jones said.
“I’m disappointed the players are upset but all I can
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