Michael Cheika Hits Back At Eddie Jones As War Of Words Continues

Wallabies boss Michael Cheika has fired back at Eddie Jones accusing the England head coach of tarnishing his reputation in his homeland.

Jones openly questioned Australia’s scrummaging technique this past weekend ahead of the teams’ meeting at Twickenham on Saturday. During the summer series between the two sides, Jones had also attacked the Australian media whom he accused of orchestrating a coordinated campaign against his side/

Today it was Cheika’s turn to go on the offensive saying the England coach’s conduct during the summer has besmirched his standing back home in Australia.

“In June, maybe I gave the opportunity to see how a former Australian would deal with it,” Cheika said.

“It was a bit like a goalscorer who scores against his old team. I suppose it is always difficult where you go back against a team you have coached before and don’t know how to play it.

Do you stay reserved or get stuck into them? I know what I would do.

Even in a country like Ireland where I coached for many years. But that’s the choice he makes if he thinks its best for his team.

“There was a lot of vitriol about Australia – his home nation where he coached and where his opportunities were given to him to catch and grow up as a coach and play. Personally, if you’re looking to leave a legacy somewhere, you don’t want to hit back at it, do you?”

How will Eddie Jones respond to this? One thing’s for sure- he won’t let it slide.