Eddie Jones: Stephen Larkham expects veteran coach to analyse players with ‘fine tooth comb’
Australian rugby union head coach Eddie Jones attends a press conference at Matraville Sports High School in Sydney, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. Jones, who was named as new coach of the Australian rugby team on Jan. 16, faced the media on Tuesday in his first appearance since returning to the Wallabies. He will lead the team at the Rugby World Cup later this year in France. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham believes Eddie Jones will judge players to the “nth degree” as he monitors players in Super Rugby Pacific for his first squad selection later in the year.
Jones’ return to the helm of the Wallabies side came earlier this year after Dave Rennie was sacked to make space for the veteran coach.
Super form imperative
The former England coach called on players to perform in Super Rugby Pacific if they want a ticket to France for the World Cup.
The Western Force, Waratahs and Rebels have all made some decent recruitment as Australia looks to improve their competitiveness in the competition.
Larkham expects Jones to analyse the star with a “fine tooth comb” as he searches for his first squad.
“It’s going to be a challenge for the guys who probably thought they were secured of a spot for the World Cup,” Larkham told AAP.
“Guys are going to be on edge because they are going to be judged to the nth degree.
“Eddie is one of those coaches that really looks at a player’s performance with a fine tooth comb and he does a lot of background checking on his players.
“The players aren’t going to be cognisant of what Eddie is looking for, but at some stage he’ll definitely be giving them feedback.”
The biggest questions left in the squad at this stage is full-back and fly-half, whilst at scrum-half Tate McDermott is looking to kick on and challenge Nic White.
“It’s not only a big year for me, it’s a big year for everyone,” said McDermott.
Expected improvement
Brumbies star Allan Alaalatoa believes Jones’s arrival will spark an improvement in quality across all areas.
“I think you’ll see a lift across the board in a World Cup year,” Alaalatoa said.
“With a new coach, there’s a lot of positions up for grabs.
“There’s definitely nerves because you’re unsure, but there’s an excitement in having a coach who knows how to win.”
The 2023 Super Rugby Pacific is set to begin with the opening round starting on February 24, with Chiefs hosting the Crusaders and the Waratahs hosting the Brumbies on the first day.
