‘I quite fancy ourselves’: Eddie Jones backs Wallabies to challenge All Blacks

Eddie Jones knows his Wallabies have no right to be confident but the coach still fancies his Bledisloe Cup chances.

Jones will name his squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand on Thursday, their first assignment at the MCG on July 29.

Fit-again prop Taniela Tupou and versatile back Andrew Kellaway are among players likely to return to a side that has been beaten by South Africa and Argentina since Jones replaced the axed Dave Rennie.

The results have dropped Australia to eighth in the world rankings with just three Tests to play before their World Cup campaign begins in France against Georgia on September 10.

The All Blacks have powered to wins over South Africa and Argentina to lead the Rugby Championship.

But Jones, who coached the Wallabies to their last Bledisloe Cup series win in 2001 and beat New Zealand in the 2003 World Cup semi-final, can’t wait.

“I quite fancy ourselves against New Zealand,” he said.

“I don’t think we’ve got any right to be confident.

“But what we can do is prepare really well, get out of the blocks, put them under pressure, which we will do.

“If we’re able to match that in the first 20 minutes and put a bit of pressure on them, which they haven’t had this year, then funny things can happen.

“I like coaching against New Zealand. It’s like the highlight of the year.”

Jones said even if Australia lose their last three Tests before the World Cup – they’ll also play the hosts once they arrive in France on August 28 – they can still mount a charge at the trophy.

He even observed the All Blacks’ fast start as somewhat uncharacteristic of the three-time world champions.

“Usually they have a much more moderated start and build up to the World Cup, but I think because of the change in the coach post the World Cup they’ve said, ‘stuff this we’re going to hard right from the first minute’,” Jones said.