England vs Australia: Eddie Jones furious with Michael Cheika as Twickenham Test match becomes grudge match


EDDIE JONES labelled Michael Cheika classless for going public over a private meeting in June.

England’s boss is furious the Wallabies chief grassed him up for storming out of a referee’s chat during the summer whitewash Down Under.

Ediie Jones has hit out at his opposite number over the June meeting
Ediie Jones has hit out at his opposite number over the June meeting
Getty Images

The pair come face-to-face again today when they meet with South African whistler Jaco Peyper to discuss the raging scrum wars amid allegations of cheating from both camps.

And angry Jones will hope this time his old Randwick team-mate Cheika keeps his mouth shout.

Jones said: “I’ve got different codes of behaviour. I was brought up that if you have a private meeting it stays private.

“If people choose to have other views, go and talk to them.

“Everyone’s got their own standards of behaviour. That was a private meeting and I don’t share contents of private meetings.”

England team to face Australia at Twickenham
England team to face Australia at Twickenham
Michael Cheika went public over the coaches' meeting last summer
Michael Cheika went public over the coaches' meeting last summer
Getty Images
Jones oversees training ahead of Saturday's Test
Jones oversees training ahead of Saturday's Test
Getty Images

Cheika has been roaring all week and slammed Jones for wrecking his own Wallabies legacy the way he went about business on tour with England.

But the former Australia coach added: “Michael Cheika has had a lot to say. He’s made comments about legacy.

“It’s not for me to decide what my legacy is, that is for other people. So why would I worry about it?

“Do you really think that I am the sort of person who worries about people’s opinion of me?”

Jones at training with skipper Dylan Hartley this week
Jones at training with skipper Dylan Hartley this week
Reuters
England celebrate with the Cook Cup after their 3-0 'Whitewash'
England celebrate with the Cook Cup after their 3-0 'Whitewash'
Getty Images

England are chasing a 14th win in a row when they face Australia at Twickenham tomorrow.

But Jones warned: “When you win how many games we’ve won in a row that’s when you’re at your most vulnerable.

“The only way you get over that is to have the correct mindset.”

England make two changes, with Nathan Hughes replacing injured Billy Vunipola at No8, while winger Marland Yarde comes in for Elliot Daly, who is suspended after his fifth-minute red card against Argentina.

Jones dropped a clanger by revealing his No 2 Steve Borthwick will be among the Lions’ coaching team for New Zealand.

Warren Gatland’s big backroom staff announcement is not until Wednesday in Dublin.

But Jones blurted out: “Maybe Steve’s with Warren now, preparing for the Lions tour?”

After realising what he had said, Jones added: “Oh! Has that been announced yet? Only joking boys, only joking . . .”


Leave a comment