Jones hits out at 'whingeing' Woodward

Australia coach Eddie Jones has accused Clive Woodward of getting his excuses in early by declaring the Wallabies have never had a better chance to beat England than in Saturday’s Brisbane Test.

Woodward claimed yesterday that with England firmly ensconced in a rebuilding phase and suffering a host of injuries, Jones stands his best chance in three years of getting one over on the old enemy.

Jones has lost four times to England since taking over the Wallabies in 2001, including last year’s heartbreaking 20-17 extra-time defeat in the World Cup final, and still takes exception to the hug he received from a victorious Woodward at Twickenham in 2002.

But Jones feels the boot might now be on the other foot as England limp into Saturday’s Test after two thumping defeats to New Zealand.

Australia have retained 12 of their starting side from the World Cup final for Saturday’s Test in Brisbane while England are expected to have a maximum of six, depending on injuries.

“I think Clive is just trying to take a bit of pressure off himself,” said Jones.

“He is that sort of bloke that when he’s winning, he’s on top of the world, he’s your best mate, and when he’s losing, he’s always looking for excuses."