Wallabies star Nic White would love to ‘pick the brain’ of England coach Eddie Jones

Wallabies halfback Nic White has too much respect for England coach Eddie Jones to engage in verbal warfare with him.

Eddie Jones is preparing his England side for a three-Test series against the Wallabies. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images

Not even the usually chirpy Wallabies halfback Nic White is willing to become embroiled in slanging match with Eddie Jones, fearing he would come off second best against the England coach.

Former Wallabies mentor Jones has already started the mind games ahead of next month’s Test series between Australia and England, warning his players will have to contended with “abusive crowds” and “aggressive media”.

But rather than fire back at Jones when asked for a reaction to the comments, White – known for his chat and banter – instead lavished praise on England’s mentor.

“If there’s one guy I definitely won’t be getting into battle with it’s Eddie Jones,” White said from the Wallabies’ Sunshine Coast training camp.

“You know when they ask that question of who you’d love to have dinner with? He pops to mind straight away.

“The bloke’s been coaching international rugby for how long? When he talks everybody listens.

“He’s had success at every level, and he’s obviously a very, very good coach.

“It’s not a battle I’m going to get in with him. I’d love to pick his brain because obviously, he’s seen it all.

“He’s a very smart guy and a clever operator, and had a lot of success. He’s someone I admire, really.”

England coach Eddie Jones has a huge fan in Nic White. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images

The Australia-England series begins on July 2 in Perth, with White expected to start in the No.9 jersey.

The battle to partner White in the halves is a three-way tussle between Quade Cooper, James O’Connor and White’s Brumbies teammate Noah Lolesio.

Lolesio said he bounced back from his failed field goal attempt in the dying stages of the Brumbies’ 20-19 Super Rugby Pacific semi-final loss to the Blues.

“I didn’t realise anyone was in front of me so I backed myself and went for it and got charged down which sucked,” Lolesio said.

“I’ve definitely learned from it and if I’m being completely honest, it took three or four days to get over because I know it was such a big part of the game and I really felt like I let my teammates down, which is not a good feeling.

“I’ve moved on from that. The biggest thing I’ve learnt in rugby is that I have to have a short term-memory when stuff like that happens. I’m here now and that’s all that matters.”

White praised Lolesio for wanting the ball with the game on the line.

“The last thing you want is someone to go into their shell and be scared of those big moments so I thought it was a real positive,” White said.

“The most important thing is Noah wanted it and he’s got to continue wanting it.

“That’s what I love about playing with him – he always wants it in those big moments.”