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'Seriously, I don't know what to expect': Wallabies bracing for first time with Eddie Jones
By AAP
Australia’s Rugby World Cup hopefuls are bracing for an “intense” first Wallabies training camp under no-nonsense new coach Eddie Jones.
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Thirty-three players will assemble on the Gold Coast on Monday while another seven ruled out with injury or concussion plus overseas-based stars Richie Arnold, Tom Banks, Quade Cooper, Bernard Foley, Marika Koroibete, Samu Kerevi and Will Skelton will zoom in remotely for team meetings.
With Jones already having made some surprise selection calls, those heading to Sanctuary Cove for the three-day camp admit to feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation.
“Obviously excited to be in the mix in the squad but, at the same time, it’s a different coach, different vibe, different set-up,” said Western Force prop Tom Robertson.
“So I don’t really know what to expect. I’ve been focusing on Super Rugby so it’s all going to be new.
“I had a chat with him before the Hurricanes game. He gave me a few things to work on around the field and a bit of a rev-up for the next couple of games.
“He was good to talk to and he’s been reaching out to a lot of the players, which I really respect. You have those one-on-one chats which has been good.”
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That seems to be the general consensus as Jones keeps every player hoping to make to France 2023 on their toes.
“It’s everyone’s first one with Eddie. Seriously, I don’t know what to expect,” said NSW Waratahs utility forward Ned Hanigan.
“I just know we’re going to get up there and there’s going to be excitement around it and he’ll have everybody signed on for those two, three days up there.
“It will be pretty intense, I can imagine. I think it’s pretty clear what Eddie wants: he’s ready for blokes to work.”
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Hanigan was one of the players ruled out of attending the camp after copping a head knock in Saturday night’s Super Rugby Pacific win over the Force.
But he will dial into team talks and also praised Jones’ straightforward dealings with his players.
“He’s a very good communicator. He picks up the phone and is pretty direct – short conversations,” Hanigan said.
“But he just tells blokes what he expects. What he wants from you, which is what we need.
“We need people telling us exactly what we’re after and we can do our best to deliver on it.”
Waratahs halfback Jake Gordon was one of the big-name casualties from the squad but responded to his non-selection with a man-of-the-match performance against the Force.
“It’s pretty simple, I’ve just got to play better,” Gordon said.
“I probably wasn’t happy with the start of the year. I was a bit inconsistent there and I think I’ve still got a lot of improvement to do but getting better each week.”
Hanigan, NSW teammate David Porecki, Brumbies trio Len Ikitau, Blake Schoupp and Darcy Swain have all been ruled out after suffering concussions in their Super Rugby Pacific fixtures over the weekend.
Back-rowers Pete Samu (ankle) from the Brumbies and NSW’s Langi Gleeson (calf) are also unavailable.
Waratahs duo Lachlan Swinton and Izaia Perese and Queensland back-rower Harry Wilson were among the seven replacements named on Sunday.
Brumbies pair Rhys van Nek and Rory Scott and the Reds’ Matt Faessler and Ryan Smith all earned their first Wallabies call-ups.
“While we feel for the players who have been ruled out, it provides an opportunity for those who will now come into camp,” Jones said.
“This camp will set the tone ahead of the Test season and we know we’re going to need a fast start.”
Take an analyst - there will be plenty of mind games. or what Mr Ed considers mind games.