England head coach Eddie Jones has launched a scathing attack on Australian rugby pundits, accusing them of disrespecting his squad ahead of the second Test against the Wallabies in Melbourne on Saturday. Australia lead the three-match series 1-0.
Jones took particular issue with a promotional video aired by Fox Sports before the first Test in Brisbane, which he described as 'disgusting'. He also criticised post-match questions from former international Stephen Hoiles, who works on a rugby show for the same network. Hoiles had mocked Jones's reaction to England's 39-28 victory, during which the head coach celebrated with coaching consultant Glen Ella, a former Wallaby.
'You've seen the Fox promos, they are disgusting,' Jones said. 'It is quite demeaning and disrespectful to the team. I'm not worried about myself. I can handle myself, don't worry about that. All I am saying is there's been a disrespectful way in which the team has been treated in the media here.'
Jones, an Australian coaching England against his home nation, expects further provocation. 'I am sure they are all going to be lining up,' he said. 'There has been a row of ex-Wallaby players – you've had Hoiles, you've had Simon Poidevin and you've had Phil Kearns. David Campese has got to be somewhere. He is coming for sure.'
Despite the series lead, Jones insists England must improve. 'It is like scoring a Test hundred, no one ever takes that away from you. We have done that but next week is even more important,' he said. 'Australian teams prefer to be underdogs, so they are going to be happy. They hate losing here. We need to make sure we have good focus.'
The Wallabies will be without back-rower David Pocock, who is sidelined for six weeks with a fractured eye socket. England have no pressing selection issues, though fly-half George Ford is pushing for a starting spot after an influential performance off the bench.
