Quade Cooper hits back at criticism from Eddie Jones
REACTION: Quade Cooper took to social media to respond to some criticism from Eddie Jones.
Jones, who oversaw the Wallabies’ disastrous World Cup campaign, said that Cooper, Michael Hooper and Bernard Foley were “not the right role models” for the team ahead of the tournament.
Jones’ comments came in an interview with former Wallaby Peter FitzSimons, which was published last Friday in the Sydney Morning Herald.
“You need guys – particularly when you’ve got a team like Australia has at the moment – you need guys who are obsessed with winning, obsessed with being good, and those three are past those stages,” said Jones.
Jones packed his squad with a band of unproven rookies and Australia were bundled out in pool play during the World Cup in France.
In response to Jones’ stinging comments, Cooper had a message for his former coach as he completed a training camp ahead of the Japan League One season.
“Training camp 23/24 complete. Funny, this week my will and desire to win were questioned by a former coach,” said Cooper.
“To me, the way I view winning and success is through preparation. No outcome is guaranteed, but what you can guarantee is the work and preparation you put in. You know that you have given yourself and your team the best possible opportunity to win. That’s where confidence is born.
“Confidence does not come from knowing the outcome; it comes from knowing that you’ve done the work, and you will have your own back regardless of the outcome.”
Rugby Australia on Tuesday accepted Jones’ resignation as head coach.
