Michael Cheika: Eddie Jones has had 'a fair bit of success'

Michael Cheika is determined to put a dent in Eddie Jones’ success as England head coach by masterminding an upset for Argentina at Twickenham on Sunday.

Cheika is looking forward to renewing the rivalry with his long-term friend and former Randwick team-mate having pitted his witts against him on seven previous occasions as Wallabies boss.

Now overseeing Argentina until the end of next year’s World Cup, which opens with a pivotal group clash against England, he is eager to get one over a sparring partner he believes has made a positive impact at Twickenham.

“I always look forward to putting myself up against one of the great coaches and also a good mate,” Cheika said.

“He’s been England’s coach for seven years and that hasn’t happened very often there. That takes some substance – it’s not just luck.

“He’s had a fair bit of success. Reaching a World Cup final isn’t too bad and he’s won a fair few Six Nations trophies. They won again in Australia this year so he’s gone OK.

“It’s always a good tussle with him but it will be a little bit different this time because I’m doing it with Argentina as opposed to Australia – definitely a different feeling about it for me.

“But – and Eddie will be the same – as soon as the game comes around, all bets are off. You try to do your best.”

England team to play Argentina:

F Steward (Leicester Tigers); J Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), M Tuilagi (Sale Sharks), O Farrell (Saracens, captain), J Cokanasiga (Bath Rugby), M Smith (Harlequins), B Youngs (Leicester Tigers); E Genge (Bristol Bears), L Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs), K Sinckler (Bristol Bears), A Coles (Northampton Saints), J Hill (Sale Sharks), M Itoje (Saracens), T Curry (Sale Sharks), B Vunipola (Saracens).

Replacements: J Singleton (Gloucester Rugby), M Vunipola (Saracens), J Heyes (Leicester Tigers), D Ribbans (Northampton Saints), S Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs), J Willis (unattached), J van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers), H Slade (Exeter Chiefs).