Jones to divulge scrum secrets?
2007-07-31 08:08
Sydney - The Wallabies fear tight-five secrets will be exposed with Eddie Jones set to sign with South Africa for the Rugby World Cup.
According to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), Wallaby forwards coaches Michael Foley and Alec Evans on Monday voiced concerns about Jones's joining the Springboks just three months after quitting his Reds post.
As Reds coach this season, Jones was privy to the work Foley and Evans put into the Reds' pack as part of the national tight-five programme.
It has given him inside knowledge of Wallabies scrummaging, lineout and mauling techniques.
Foley had issues with the timing of Jones's appointment.
"If it were me I would think it's too close, particularly in a World Cup year," he said. "I just think there were certain things that Eddie was privy to that he may not have been privy to if there was an understanding he may actually end up coaching a major international competitor."
But Evans took a subtle swipe at Jones's ability to pass on his insights.
"The question, I suppose, is whether Eddie Jones has the ability to transfer any of that knowledge to the South Africans."
- Rugby Heaven