Eddie Jones snaps at English reporter with "you'd be here if we lost" jibe

10 September 2023 , 08:29

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Eddie Jones mocked a reporter in the post-match press conference (Image: RugbyPass)

Eddie Jones took aim at an English journalist after Australia got their World Cup underway with a bonus point win over Georgia.

The Southern Hemisphere side put four tries to the board to make light work of their opponents, earning Jones his first win since returning to take the job for a second time. The Australian was quickly hired by his homeland following his dismissal by England, with Jones and the media known to have a frosty relationship.

A journalist was present at a pre-match press conference and quizzed Jones on how the style of referee Luke Pearce, an Englishman, might affect the breakdown, with Jones keen to shut him down.

He said: "World rugby is here, aren't they? They are always in the shadows, they've got listening devices everywhere, listening in and you don't want any black marks against you. So to say that a ref would favour one side over the other would probably be a black mark, so I hope you've got a better question mate."

In the aftermath of Australia's win, in which their discipline was on point as they gave away very few penalties, Jones went on the hunt for the same journalist, who was absent, but that didn't stop the 63-year-old making his point.

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He said: "Maybe Luke Pearce liked us, where's that Pommy bloke from the Daily Telegraph, one of my favourite newspapers, where's he? Not here today? I bet if we lost he'd be here. I'll have to send him an invitation - anyone know his name?"

Australia secured a bonus point win over Georgia

Australia have come into the World Cup in France with mild expectation having been below par in the recent Rugby Championship. They're in a group with the likes of Wales and Fiji but began well with Jordan Petaia, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Ben Donaldson crossing for tries.

Jones said on the performance: “Well round one you want to be sitting with five points so I think we got five points. That’s the first time I’ve been involved in a game against Georgia or a training session against Georgia where their scrum their hasn’t dominated or looked like dominating.

“That’s real credit to Neal Hatley and the front row, Taniela (Tupou) in his 50th cap and (Angus) Belly and (David) Porecki and obviously the rest of the pack for their scrum efficiency. Secondly, our attacking kicking was really good. It put Mark (Nawaqanitawase) in a number of situations where he really caused the opposition a lot of trouble. They’re two really key and promising areas for us.”

Samuel Meade