Clash against new England head coach Eddie Jones excites Wallabies boss Michael Cheika
The two friends will go head-to-head in June’s three test series in Australia
Wallaby coach Michael Cheika said he would put his longstanding friendship with Eddie Jones on hold when the new England boss arrives in Australia for a three-Test series in June.
The pair, who first knew each other as forwards with Sydney club side Randwick, now find themselves in charge of two of rugby’s elite tier one nations.
Friday saw the 55-year-old Jones given the task of reviving England’s fortunes, after the 2015 hosts’ first-round exit at the World Cup, when he was installed as coach in succession to Stuart Lancaster on a four-year contract.
Good luck to Eddie. I want him to do well as a mate ... but not when England come over!
Jones, Australia’s coach when they lost the 2003 World Cup final to England in Sydney, now has the task of putting his own stamp on the Red Rose brigade ahead of their Six Nations opener away to Scotland at Murrayfield on February 6.
READ MORE: Totally committed: Eddie Jones vows he’ll be 100% behind England against the Wallabies
But the end of the European season is also set to see Jones lead England in Australia, with the reigning southern hemisphere Rugby Championship title-holders underlining their credentials in a gallant 34-17 World Cup final defeat by New Zealand at Twickenham last month.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity when we go up against each other. Just for the fact that I’m really proud that we’re both from Australia and come from the same club, Randwick, and will be doing battle in a different arena.
READ MORE: Eddie Jones on a mission to revive England after landing top coaching job on four-year deal
“It’s going to be a bit weird but there’s no such thing as friends when the game’s on.”