Eddie Jones may be in charge of a different country, but his press conferences are still very much the same.
Addressing a room of journalists, Jones reflected on Australia’s first match of the Rugby Championship – a match that didn’t live up to the expectations of the Aussie coach. Many fans were expecting a much closer battle, with former Australian international Matt Giteau even suggesting an 8-point win for his side ahead of the game.
Looking forward to this first test with Eddie as coach.. 🔥🔥
Australia by 8 for me #RugbyChampionship
— Matt Giteau 🇦🇺 (@giteau_rugby) July 8, 2023
Despite mentions prior to the game of a possibly weakened Springbok side, Australia were dismantled in unapologetic fashion in Pretoria. A hattrick from Kurt-Lee Arendse helped the home side to secure a 43-12 victory over their old rival, spelling out some serious trouble for an Australian side hurriedly preparing for the upcoming World Cup.
Facing a room full of journalists after the match was always going to spark fireworks, especially with the pressure being mounted on Jones to turn the Wallaby fortunes around. Always a man to speak his truths, the former England coach took issue when being questioned about his comments before the game.
Jones, in his characteristically honest style, told the reporter not to be a “smart arse”.
Eddie Jones: “You don’t have to be a smart arse mate.”
Today is the day that irony died.
ADVERTISEMENT— Jamie Phillips (@JNPhillips4) July 8, 2023
Following this, the press conference appeared to be cut short, with Jones carrying on his disagreements towards the back of the room where the reporter is being heard to be told to “show some respect” by the Aussie coach.
On the other side of fortune, South African captain Duane Vermeulen was pleased with his side’s turnout: “I’m really proud of the boys, it was a fantastic performance. We played to our strengths. We can still improve, it was not 100% our best performance, but I’m very happy with the result.”
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