Jones is trying to build a team that plays more intuitively, as teams did so successfully in the ’80s and ’90s, writes former Wallaby captain Simon Poidevin.
This is the first in a series of commentaries and analyses that former Wallaby captain Simon Poidevin will write for theEddie Jones is charging into his fifth Rugby World CupThe Wallabies will kick off with an average of 19.5 Test caps and a left-field but inspiring selection in Will Skelton as the rookie captain.
But Eddie Jones is not your normal human being. He thrives on adversity, has a work ethic unmatched in professional sport, possesses massive resilience and, surprisingly to his enemies, a great sense of humour. He was fearless for Randwick against a near-Test match strength All Blacks team in 1988 at Coogee Oval and took on the lippy 105-kilogram Shaun Fitzpatrick with fervour, winning the sledging battle in a knockout.
Eddie Jones with Wallabies at a training camp in April. Left to right: Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Andrew Kellaway, Allan Alaalatoa, James Slipper and Nic White.Jones wants them to play what’s in front of them, just as our teams from the ’80s, ’90s and sporadically through the 2000s did so successfully. David Campese was the player of the World Cup in 1991, playing what was in front of him as a free spirit in a cavalier style that left opposing defences in disarray.
The positives for Australia were a strong performance from the scrum, a dominant lineout, lead by 22-year-old Tom Hooper jumping at two, the welcome return of “The Tongan Thor” Taniela Tupou, and big metres clocked by our back three in Andrew Kellaway, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Suliasi Vunivalu.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Eddie Piaf: No regrets for Jones after infamous press conferenceWith only 10 days to go before the Wallabies’ first World Cup game against Georgia in France, Eddie Jones is not in the mood for contrition.
Read more »
‘I fell asleep straight away’: Eddie Jones has no regrets about airport sprayWallabies coach Eddie Jones insists he has no regrets about telling the media to “give yourselves upper cuts” during a fiery press conference before heading to France for the Rugby World Cup.
Read more »
Eddie Jones says he was being honest during media tongue-lashing‘Fell asleep straight away’: No regrets for Eddie over wild Wallabies airport rant
Read more »
Eddie Piaf: No regrets for Jones after infamous press conferenceWith only 10 days to go before the Wallabies’ first World Cup game against Georgia in France, Eddie Jones is not in the mood for contrition.
Read more »
Where rugby imitates life: Eddie’s guide to the World Cup teamsThe Wallabies coach believes cultural traits transform to on-field performance.
Read more »
Where rugby imitates life: Eddie’s guide to the World Cup teamsThe Wallabies coach believes cultural traits transform to on-field performance.
Read more »