Australia centre Samu Kerevi has rejected claims by former England scrumhalf Danny Care that Eddie Jones ruled by fear during his tenure as England coach.
Care’s recently published autobiography painted a picture of a reign of terror under Jones, claiming “everyone was bloody terrified of him” and comparing the environment to a dystopian novel.
However, Kerevi, who played under Jones during his second stint as Wallabies coach until October last year, offered a different perspective.
“I wouldn’t say it was terrifying. I think it’s how you take it. I grew up in a different culture to what it is now in rugby,” said Kerevi, who is in line to make his long-awaited Test comeback against England on Saturday.
ICYMI – Care reveals Eddie’s England ‘dictatorship’
“The pursuit of excellence puts pressure on everyone and I think that’s just what Eddie is like. I’ve got a good relationship with Eddie. I think he puts pressure, not just on the players, but the staff.”
“I think that’s what Danny Care’s talking about, but again, it’s how you receive it. Whether you thrive under it.”
“I guess, for us, he didn’t get the results in the last year with Eddie, but our focus now is on Joe and the team. I wish Eddie all the best.”
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