Jones’ strong defence as critics circle

ALL in all, it was quite an impressive performance from Eddie Jones yesterday.

The Australian press had just unleashed the latest of its barrages at his so-called "conservative" selection policy but, far from recoiling behind a grumpy, monosyllabic facade, the Wallaby coach instead launched a smooth but decisive defence of his latest first fifteen.

On the plus side for Jones, the only mention of his forwards yesterday in Melbourne was about the upward curve of hooker Brendan Cannon's career. No, the problem the Aussie press corps has with Jones is his choice of backs.