Jones hits out at Cheika over meeting row

Eddie Jones has hit out at Wallabies coach Michael Cheika for revealing he stormed out of a meeting with referees during the June series in Australia earlier this year.

The two former Randwick teammates have been trading verbal spats all week in the lead up to Saturday’s Test match at Twickenham.

Jones said he was disappointed Cheika gave details of what he considered to be a private meeting.

“I’ve got different codes of behaviour,” Jones said.

“I was always brought up that if you have a private meeting it stays private. If people choose to have other views on that then go and talk to them about it.

“I like to have fun. This week’s been fun. We’ve had a great week here preparing. The media’s had fun – good headlines. Cheika’s had fun and everyone’s enjoying it. It’s great for rugby.

Cheika started the week on the front foot by questioning Jones’ legacy, after previously adopting a low-key approach during the 3-0 series loss in Australia.

Jones, who began the mind games last Saturday by saying he had issues with the Wallabies’ scrum technique, said he didn’t know why Cheika has changed tack.

“I’ve got no idea and it really doesn’t worry me,” he said.

“We’ve had a great week. We set out what we wanted to do at the start of the week, got the ball rolling and then all we worry about is our preparation.

Jones is hoping to become the first England coach to lead the team unbeaten in a calendar year, and will if they prevail at Twickenham.

He insists winning the game is more important to him than debating whether Cheika’s claim that he had tarnished his legacy at home was true.

“It’s uncontrollable. It’s not for me to decide what my legacy is,” he said.

“It’s for other people to decide. Why would I worry about it?

The Wallabies will be without Will Genia for the game, with the in-form halfback back in Paris preparing for a club game for Stade Francais, who refused to allow him to play in a match that falls outside the official Test window.

Jones believes the loss of the former Queensland Red is a huge blow for Australia, who are looking to avoid their ninth defeat of a difficult year.

“He is an unbelievably good player,” Jones said.

“Strong, influential, good with the high ball and they will miss him a lot.

“He is one of the reasons Australia has done so well since the June series.”

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!