‘The economy is going to suffer’: Eddie Jones’ blunt message to All Blacks

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones believes the fate of the New Zealand economy rests on the All Blacks’ shoulders heading into this weekend’s Bledisloe Cup opener.

Yes, you read that right. The legendary coach said “the economy is going to suffer” if the All Blacks fail to beat their arch-rivals at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday.

After the Wallabies revealed their team to take on New Zealand, Jones spoke with reporters alongside acting captain Allan Alaalatoa.

With a smile on his face, the charismatic coach spoke for about 20 minutes about some bold selection decisions and, bizarrely, politics.

Jones is confident the Wallabies will turn their fortunes around against the All Blacks, and made sure to heap as much pressure as possible on Australia’s heavily favoured rivals.

This isn’t just about rugby anymore.

“Imagine Saturday night, 85,000 people, their biggest rugby crowd since 2007 and they’ve come to watch two teams that have got good respect for each other but at the same time they dislike each other,” Jones told reporters.

“There’s nothing better than winning against New Zealand because you feel the country sinking.

“It’s not just rugby that sinks, the country sinks. The whole economy goes down. The Prime Minister is there with his fingers crossed hoping the All Blacks win because he knows the economy is going to drop if they lose.

“We can have the effect and at the same time Australian kids want to play rugby again, because at the moment too many of them want to play AFL… we want to kids to play rugby because it’s the greatest game of all.

“Maybe put the New Zealand Prime Minister on call that the economy is going to suffer and at the same time raise our stakes here.”

The Wallabies are currently last on The Rugby Championship standings and the All Blacks occupy pole position.

The Aussies havee been beaten by both South Africa and Argentina this month. Looking to bounce back with a win at ‘the G,’ coach Jones has made some big changes.

Rising star Carter Gordon has been picked at flyhalf ahead of Quade Cooper, and will partner Queensland Reds halfback Tate McDermott in the halves.

Angus Bell, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Jordan Petaia and Andrew Kellaway have also been injected into the starting lineup. In total, Jones has made seven changes to the First XV.

“My history against New Zealand is important. It’s always the biggest game mate, you’re playing against the best in the world,” Jones added.

“When you’re playing against them, not many people think you can win so that’s the opportunity for us.

“We’re an Australian team, we’re developing, we’re moving along a pathway but can we put the Kiwis under pressure on Saturday? Yes, under a lot of pressure and maybe they’re going to get a bit of a surprise.

“We’re ready to go mate. We’ll see what happens.”

The Wallabies take on fierce rivals New Zealand at the world-famous Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday evening. If Australia lose, the Kiwis retain the Bledisloe Cup for at least another year.