Wallaby legend: 'Eddie's got a method to his madness'

Former Wallabies George Gregan and Matt Burke have given insight into Eddie Jones’ coaching methods.

“He equips you with all the tools and ammunition to get you across the line and get a result,” 81-Test veteran Burke told Stuff.

Both Gregan and Burke played under Jones during his tenure with Australia from 2001 to 2005.

In 2003, the Wallabies lost the Bledisloe Cup after losing 50-21 in Sydney and 21-17 in Sydney – something they are still yet to reclaim – but stunned the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup semifinal.

“We were gutted after the [second Bledisloe] game but we also realised if we play these guys again we’ll make adjustments and we’ll be better and we’ll win,” Gregan said.

“What we learnt from those previous matches are the things you shouldn’t be doing which allows the All Blacks to find their rhythm.”

Jones indeed used what he had learned from the two crushing Bledisloe defeats when the World Cup semifinal arrived.

“Eddie’s good at instilling those really simple things which a group can get its head around,” Gregan said. “You’re not overthinking it, you’re very confident in delivering what you need to.”

Burke admitted that while Jones’ approach comes with a price, he said it was simply part of the deal.

“Eddie’s got a method to his madness. I’ve been there, absolutely,” Burke says.

“But it comes down to performance and knowledge. If you’ve got the knowledge, you can do whatever you want to do.

“How you take that and how you use that comes down to the player and the individual but there is no doubting that he arms you with enough knowledge to combat anyone and give you the chance to win a game.”

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