SYDNEY (AP) — Eddie Jones made his debut as the new Wallabies coach on Tuesday, hoping to win the Rugby World Cup in France later this year.
“He’s not the Messiah,” Jones said after being announced as Australia’s new coach this week. Two weeks ago.
Jones, 63, died in 2011.
But he was in charge until 2027 following the sacking of Dave Rennie, who managed to win just five of 14 Test matches in 2022.
In the year Rennie is under contract until the end of the World Cup, which starts on September 8. But Rugby Australia officials moved to sign Jones when he stepped down as England head coach. After a poor trip in England in December – In 2022, they had six losses, one draw and five wins from 12 matches.
“These are the teams that win World Cups and play with spirit,” Jones said Tuesday. “We want to bring pride back to Australian rugby. That is the most important thing.
“We have to win the World Cup. If we win it will change things for rugby in Australia. There are about six groups separated by cigarette paper. It’s very strict.”
Jones won the Six Nations three times with England and won 18 consecutive victories during his largely successful tenure, which included several victories over the Wallabies.
Australia have won the World Cup twice, winning out of three in New Zealand and South Africa.
“I’m not the Messiah,” Jones said. “Everybody’s in this together, but sometimes you need someone to beat the drum.”
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