'Send in the clowns': Jones teases Cheika

Oct 27, 2016 - 3:27 AM Eddie Jones hasn't missed the chance to sneak in a clown jibe at Michael Cheika on the eve of the Wallabies' departure for their grand slam tour.

Jones was widely credited with a KO victory over Cheika in the mind games as he guided England to a 3-0 series win in Australia earlier in the year.

And he was at it again as he named his 33-man England squad for their autumn home internationals, which end in another clash with the Wallabies at Twickenham on December 3.

That's a match that could have huge importance for the Wallabies as a chance to clinch a rare home nations grand slam, if they are able to overcome Wales, Scotland and Ireland beforehand.

This time Jones made reference to Cheika's post-match rant about being portrayed as an angry clown in a New Zealand newspaper before last Saturday's final Bledisloe Cup series loss.

"We've got a long time before we play Australia," Jones told UK media on Wednesday.

"They're closer to Christmas than the South Africa Test, but we know they're talking even now about a grand slam.

"So they've obviously full of optimism, confidence.

"So they won't be sending in the clowns."

Source: AAP