Jones unfazed by Cheika's legacy claims
Dec 1, 2016 - 6:00 PM England coach Eddie Jones has brushed aside Michael Cheika's claims that he has tarnished his legacy in Australia and insists he's never been disrespectful about his native country.Cheika launched a remarkable tirade at Jones earlier this week ahead of Saturday's Test at Twickenham after he questioned the Wallabies scrum and sought out a meeting with referee Jaco Peyper before the game.
The war of words between the old Randwick teammates has cranked up interest in the match just five months after Jones' side inflicted a 3-0 series whitewash against Cheika's team, who are seeking to avoid finishing the year with a ninth defeat in 15 games.
Jones accused the Australian media of being disrespectful to his team last June, pointing the finger at a TV advert that denigrated his side and maintained that stance on Thursday at the team's hotel just outside London.
"Michael Cheika's had a lot to say this week," Jones said.
"He's made some comments about legacy. We'll we don't have anything to do with legacy. It's an uncontrollable part of what happens.
"We believe when we went on the Australian tour, staff and players behaved in a very respectful manner.
"I reinforce again that I found the Australian media disrespectful while we were down there. I don't shy away from those comments.
"The (TV) commercial they put made us out to be a laughing stock to think we could not win a game in Australia."
Jones said he'd not heard from Cheika this week and was unsure if he'd be attending the meeting with Peyper on Friday.
"We've extended an invitation and it will be up to him whether he accepts it or not. I'm not too worried who will attend the party," he said.
"I'm disappointed he's upset. We'll have a cold beer in the dresing room after the game and he's welcome to join us but I don't control his emotions.
"I think it's been quite interesting this week, it's been fascinating being a bystander watching the world sail past while we're preparing well here."
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Hughes, Daly to miss start of Six Nations Dec 21
- Now the time for England mistakes: Jones Nov 25
- Hartley on England bench for Samoa Nov 23
- England rugby make nine changes for Samoa Nov 23
- Jones delighted by England's Wallabies win Nov 18
- Don't follow rugby, follow me: Eddie Jones Nov 17
- England's Jones upset by Wallabies claims Nov 17
- Jones itching to maintain Wallabies hold Nov 16
- England recall Farrell for Wallabies Test Nov 16
- Farrell, Itoje retained in England squad Nov 14
- Jones contrite after his F-bomb outburst Nov 13
- In-form Wallabies will punish us: Vunipola Nov 13