Eddie Jones press conference: Wallabies coach blasts ‘negative’ media as team jets off to World Cup

Tom Naghten

Eddie Jones press conference: Wallabies coach blasts ‘negative’ media as team jets off to World Cup image

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones got stuck into the media gathered for a press conference as the team prepared to fly out to France for the World Cup, labelling it the “worst press conference” he’s ever had.

The veteran coach, who is 0-4 in his second stint in charge of the national team, has been under-fire recently, taking heat for his squad selections, while assistant coach Brad Davis announced his shock departure from the role.

Jones became increasingly frustrated at several lines of questioning during the media opportunity at Sydney airport.

MORE: Eddie Jones names new-look Australia squad for Rugby World Cup

Having controversially left Michael Hooper and Quade Cooper out of the squad for the World Cup, Jones said the matter had already been addressed and hit back when asked if he’d spoken to Cooper.

“All I can do is ring him and if they don’t take the phone call, you can’t talk to them,” Jones said.

“If I ring them and they won’t ring back, what do you want me to do?”

The Wallabies are considered long shots to challenge for the Webb Ellis Cup in France and the pessimism around the team has clearly worn Jones down.

“You’ve got to understand that what we’ve had here the last eight years hasn’t been good enough,” he said.

“We want to have the opportunity for these young players to go forward. 

“None of you guys think we can do any good, so that’s alright. 

“The challenge is for us as a group to show you that we can and show ourselves that we can

“I know what’s wrong with Australian rugby and you blokes are part of the problem, because you’re so bloody negative about everything.”

Jones was then asked for his message to Wallabies fans before the team flies out: “We’ve got a young squad here, they’re going to make some waves in France.”

The press conference then wrapped up with a parting shot from Jones.

“Thanks for the worst press conference I’ve ever had in world rugby,” he muttered.

“Well done boys, that is the worst I’ve ever seen.

“Forget it, boys. You ought to give yourselves uppercuts, boys.”

Wallabies World Cup squad 2023

Forwards

Hookers: Dave Porecki, Jordan Uelese, Matt Faessler

Props: Angus Bell, James Slipper, Blake Schoupp, Taniela Tupou, Pone Fa’amausili, Zane Nonggorr

Locks: Richie Arnold, Nick Frost, Will Skelton, Matt Philip

Back-row: Tom Hooper, Rob Leota, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Langi Gleeson

Backs

Halfbacks: Tate McDermott, Nic White, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa

Fly-halves: Carter Gordon

Centres: Samu Kerevi, Jordan Petaia, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi

Outside backs: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Suliasi Vunivalu, Marika Koroibete, Andrew Kellaway, Max Jorgensen

Utility: Ben Donaldson, Josh Kemeny

When do the Wallabies play next? Bledisloe Cup, World Cup schedule

The next clash for the Wallabies will come on Monday, August 28th against France in a World Cup warm-up game, with the side hoping to hit some form before the tournament begins. 

This will be Australia's last game before their Rugby World Cup campaign begins, with four group stage games and potential finals fixtures to follow.

Date Time (AEST) Competition Opponent Venue
Mon. 28th August 1.45am Friendly France Stade de France
Sun. 10th September 2am RWC Group Stage Georgia Stade de France
Mon. 18th September 1.45am RWC Group Stage Fiji Stade Geoffroy-Guichard
Mon. 25th September 5am RWC Group Stage Wales Parc OL
Mon. 2nd October 2.45am RWC Group Stage Portugal Stade Geoffroy-Guichard

MORE: Watch all the action from the Rugby World Cup with every match streaming ad-free, live and on demand in 4K UHD, only on Stan Sport.

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.