Eddie Jones says Australian system to blame, not Michael Cheika
Eddie Jones declared Australia’s rugby system was broken, and slammed the influence held by NSW and Queensland while calling for a centralised model to turn the wobbly Wallabies around.
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Eddie Jones declared Australia’s rugby system was broken, and slammed the influence held by NSW and Queensland while calling for a centralised model to turn the wobbly Wallabies around.
The former Wallabies coach led England to a record sixth-straight win over Australia at Twickenham, then took pity on counterpart Michael Cheika.
“You can criticise a coach but if your system is not right then you have to look at the system and if I was involved in Australian rugby, and I am not, you cannot have two of your biggest provinces bankrupt and still having all the control in the game,” Jones said.
“With Ireland and New Zealand – particularly with Ireland - if you have a centralised system for a small player pool you can be a very good team and consistent, and Australia doesn’t have that and that is what they need. And that advice is for free.”
Unlike New Zealand and Ireland, Australia’s states still hold much sway over the running of the game and how finance and players are distributed.
There will not be a sudden upheaval any time soon, but Cheika wants the Waratahs, Rebels, Reds and Brumbies to rest players during certain games next year to have them fresh for the World Cup – plans that are already enforced by New Zealand and Ireland due to their top-down operating model that puts the national team first.
“I’m not in a position to control the machinations behind the scenes, but I’m doing my very best to build strong relationships with the coaches and CEOs of the four Super Rugby teams,” Cheika said.
“We had a good round of meetings before we came on the tour and agreed some basic principles about central preparation for the players next year, which will start with a national camp together for the players.
“So we are going to be able to work more with those guys and relationships that we’re building and there has to be some give and take, they are trying to do their best too.
“Behind the scenes structure obviously is not in my direct domain. I can give my opinion, but I can still effect by getting involved by building good relationships.”
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Originally published as Eddie Jones says Australian system to blame, not Michael Cheika