Australia scrumhalf Nic White is preparing for an intense experience under incoming coach Eddie Jones, with fellow Wallaby Ned Hanigan saying his “jaw hit the ground” when he heard about Jones’ return.
Jones is back at the helm of his native Australia, after having led England to a Six Nations Grand Slam and a series whitewash of Australia as part of a record-equalling run of 18 successive Test wins by a leading rugby union nation.
He replaces Kiwi Dave Rennie, who was shown the door last week just eight months out from the global showpiece after only five wins from 14 Tests in 2022.
It will be Jones’ second stint in charge after his 2001 to 2005 spell during which he took the Wallabies to the 2003 World Cup final, where they lost to England.
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The veteran coach is known for his uncompromising approach, and speaking to Australian broadcaster Channel 9 this week, White jokingly admitted to “sh***ing himself” over playing for the 62-year-old.
“Eddie Jones, [is] an amazing coach, a guy who a lot of us admire what he’s done and are pretty excited,” he said. “Excited and I guess everyone is kind of quietly s***ting themselves about Eddie coming in.
“Mate, he’s a world-class coach so there is a bit of excitement there but he is also a whole lot of unknown for us players. It has been a ride.”
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On Rennie’s sacking, White added:”Obviously a few emotions there [with Rennie’s departure].
“We had just done a camp with Dave and set the scene around the World Cup and we had been with Dave for three years. Initially, you’re saddened that he is not able to take us through to the World Cup.”
Loose forward Hanigan was stunned after news broke of Rennie being sacked, with the squad finding out at the same time as the public.
“It has been a bit hectic, we were back in on Monday week and, yeah, we were in for a few medicals and got pulled in [to hear about Rennie’s sacking],” he said.
“News got delivered quite quickly, ‘Yeah. Rens is out, Eddie is in.’ [My] jaw hit the ground, it was all a bit of a shock. But it is an exciting year, nevertheless.”
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