Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has touched down in Australia, preparing to once again take control of the national side at a crucial period.
Jones officially stepped into the role on Monday, making his presence felt at the Sydney Sevens after touching down on Sunday morning from Japan.
WATCH HIS FIRST PRESS CONFERENCE BELOW FROM 11:00 AM AEDT
His arrival comes at the perfect time, with the Super Rugby season set to kick off in less than three weeks with the NSW Waratahs hosting the ACT Brumbies at the same venue Jones spent Sunday meeting the fans and Rugby faithful.
Both teams dominated January’s initial Wallaby squad and whilst Jones will have his own selections ideas, it looms as a major hit-out in a number of key positions.
With the Reds facing a major test against the Hurricanes and a rivalry match between the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels set to end the round, there will be plenty of talent on display across the opening weekend, which excites Jones.
“If you look at all the (Australian) Super Rugby rosters, the talented players in Australian Rugby are there,” Jones said on the coverage of the Sydney Sevens via Kayo Sports.
“All we’ve got to do is make sure we put them into a team that has a pretty good idea about how it wants to play and they want to fight together.”
So what do the first days look like for Jones?
Jones indicated his first port of call will be heading across the Super clubs to meet with the coaches and players.
He has been big on connection since taking over the role so it's fittingly Jones will conduct his opening press conference in Australia at Matraville Sports High on Tuesday, returning to where it all began for the former Randwick hooker.
It will formally begin his build to the World Cup and first Test in charge, slated for July’s Rugby Championship.
The 63-year-old will likely have five Tests to get the Wallabies’ firing, looking to develop an edge and confidence to close out the closer games that alluded them in 2022.
The Wallabies lost five games by less than a converted try, including against Jones’ England in last July in Sydney.
“I think Australian sporting teams, particularly the Wallabies have been great attacking teams and I think Australia’s got plenty of that,” he explained.
“What we need to be is a bit better in the tighter situations and that’s something we can work on.”
