Eddie Jones rooting for Boks
2007-07-29 22:31
Cape Town - Former Wallaby coach Eddie Jones has become a Springbok supporter. His loyalty is no longer with Australian rugby.
"I support the team I'm working with. At the moment, I am working with South Africa," Jones said here at the weekend.
He made these comments after the SA World Cup squad's training session at Bishops.
Springbok team manager Zola Yeye later confirmed that plans were afoot to retain the services of the Australian for a while longer; even during the World Cup tournament.
Jones will therefore be employed in the technical role that was meant for new Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus.
"Eddie has valuable coaching experience. He understands the challenges of the World Cup tournament," Yeye said.
"It is clever of SA Rugby to make use of his services."
Yeye said efforts were being made to ensure that Jones will have the documents necessary to work in South Africa.
The English club Saracens, with whom Jones has a long-term contract, also has to agree.
Jones is expected to be involved with the Springboks during their preparations in Durban this week. The idea is for him to divide his attention between the Springboks and Saracens during the tournament in France.
Few subtle things
"The players really enjoy Eddie's input and (Springbok coach) Jake White is happy, which is very important," Yeye said.
The Springbok backs showed some touches on Saturday morning that had been absent before Jones's involvement.
"There will be a few subtle things that he has taught the players," White said. "We will be stupid if we do not make use of his knowledge.
"Eddie is impressed by the power and pace of our players. It will be good for the team if he can add some detail. The Wallabies offer more on the attack than most other countries."
White is still hoping that Erasmus, who will start working at Western Province on Wednesday, will be able to contribute some input.
The Australian Rugby Union, who took a swipe at Jones last week, will again be upset about the former Brumbies coach's decision.
"No one in Australian rugby can say I did not give one hundred per cent to them," Jones said here.
"The Springboks have a fine structure and can beat any team. It's only about adding a little detail."