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 |
