Eddie Jones’ bitter rivalry with Michael Cheika is exposed by the man who knows them best – England backs coach and former Australia star Glen Ella

THERE is one man better placed than any to explain the fierce rivalry between Eddie Jones and Michael Cheika.

The pair’s verbal sparring has dominated this week ahead of England’s clash with Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

And in the middle is Glen Ella, the former Wallabies star who is an old mate of both heavy-hitting super-coaches.

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A childhood friend of Jones, Ella then joined his friend as part of the Australia backroom staff before linking up with England as a ­specialist backs coach.

He also played with Cheika at Randwick, a club in Coogee, Sydney, where Jones plied his trade too.

So there is no one ­better qualified to piece together the inner thoughts of the duo building up to the monumental Test.
He said: “Now that the matinee has come and gone, it’s time for the main show.

“I know both Cheika and Jones have been waiting for this for some time.

“Cheika has been seething about the results in June and can’t wait to get the chance to beat Eddie back on English soil — and to prove he can coach.

“Then you have Eddie, who is a little p****d off about how he and his team were treated in Australia and will want to prove the whitewash was no fluke.

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“Eddie has already had a shot at the Wallabies’ scrum and is prepared to meet the referee and Australian staff to clarify his issues.

“Michael was clearly beaten badly in the propaganda battle against Eddie in June. It was a real master and apprentice show.

“So I wonder if Cheika will let Eddie control the press again, or will he let his team do the talking?

“I know I’m looking forward to watching it unfold this week.”

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While Cheika was slow out of the blocks in the war of words with Jones, it was his blast on Monday that really lit the blue touchpaper.
A raging scrum war and claims of cheating at the set-piece have been launched from both camps.

But it was Cheika who named England’s Dan Cole as the chief culprit, while Jones refused to call out any of the Oz stars.

Jones’ men are hunting their fourth win against the Aussies this year and a record-equalling 14th win in a row against all opposition.

But Ella warned they are facing a different beast to the one they whitewashed Down Under in June.

He said: “Michael wouldn’t be happy with the way it went in June.
“But I would say they’re the most improved team after Ireland.

“They’ve certainly got better since that June series.

“They’ve improved and England have to improve their defence because the Wallabies have a lot of threats now that Israel Folau is somewhere near his capabilities.

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“Australia have nothing to lose and will come at them, so their defence has to be of a standard like that second Test in Melbourne.”

While Cheika is under pressure to end the year on a high, Ella believes Jones is proving why he is now seen as the No 1 coach in the game.
He added: "He is definitely the best, without doubt.

“His knowledge of the game is second to none and his work ethic is unbelievable. I don’t think the guy sleeps.

“He’s got a good squad behind him and when he’s got a good squad that he wants to make even better, it gives you acknowledgement that you can’t be doing any more than you’re doing.”