Australia’s Michael Cheika stokes war of words with England head coach Eddie Jones and accuses him of tarnishing his reputation
Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika has fuelled the smouldering war of words with England counterpart Eddie Jones by accusing his fellow Australian of tarnishing his own legacy Down Under.
Jones began his baiting of Australia in the immediate aftermath of his side’s victory over Argentina at the weekend, questioning their scrummaging technique as the two teams prepare to do battle at Twickenham on Saturday.
The 56-year-old, who guided Australia to the final of the 2003 World Cup, was verbally combative during England’s highly-successful tour Down Under during the summer, although it was Cheika’s turn to hit back.
“There was a lot of vitriol about Australia, his home nation,” said Cheika. “It’s where he coached, where the opportunities were given to him to grow up as a coach, and player.
“Personally, if you’re looking to leave a legacy somewhere, you don’t want to hit back at it when you leave.”
England utility back Elliot Daly, meanwhile, will miss Saturday’s showdown after being slapped with a three-week ban following his red card for tackling Argentina’s Leonardo Senatore in the air on Saturday.