‘I found those comments disgusting’: SBW slams Eddie’s behaviour during disastrous WC
Eddie Jones’ actions during the catastrophic Rugby World Cup for the Wallabies have drawn criticism from Sonny Bill Williams.
Jones’ remarks about players were deemed “disgusting” by Williams, who also questioned Jones’ morality for supposedly conducting an interview when Australia was running to become Japan’s coach.
Williams, a dual international, was spot on in his critical evaluation of Jones following the Wallabies’ first-ever failure to advance past the group stages.
Williams was shocked to learn that the 63-year-old Jones was connected to Japan. Williams won the World Cup with New Zealand in 2011 and 2015.
“That meeting was undoubtedly held by him,” Williams said to The SMH.
To be honest, that speaks a lot about his character. It’s hilarious. I’m still in shock about this.
“I saw straight through his antics and his big-talking. This is a man who has a history of destroying relationships.
“You wouldn’t tolerate it if he were a player, the things he’s done.” That they are subject to accountability in the same manner as gamers is rather pleasant.
In addition, Williams commended Rugby Australia’s board for dismissing chairman Hamish McLennan last week, who had controversially appointed Jones in January.
Williams remarked, “I applaud the board for making the decision and not hesitating.”
“I called it before the World Cup with Eddie … that it wasn’t the right thing and it backfired tremendously. Egos need to be left at the door. The public deserves better and so do these players.
“A lot of people forgot about Dave Rennie’s leadership. Australia beat South Africa twice and came close to New Zealand.”
Jones also controversially left veteran Test stars Michael Hooper, Bernard Foley and Quade Cooper out of his World Cup squad, claiming they weren’t role models.
“I found those comments disgusting,” Williams said.
“I was really upset for those lads. The sad thing was that he couldn’t just leave with dignity. He had to leave with some firing shots by calling Hooper, Foley and Quade not role model material? What does that make him?
“I see this as the reset Australian rugby needs. Phil Waugh is talking about some really good things, especially strategies into Western Sydney. As rugby fans we all want to believe in something.
“Transparency is key. With the talent Australia has, something special could happen. I love the idea of bringing
Everything from Rugby Australia under one roof. Only upward is possible.
Following the Jones debacle, McLennan was fired by his own board on Sunday night. On Monday, he stated he had trusted the coach’s word over the Japan situation.
McLennan stated on 2GB, “If it is true that he did that, that is terrible and appalling, especially leading up to a World Cup and your focus should be on the team.”
“His agency stated that was totally false, and he refuted it. If he did, it was awful form.
