Jones angry over invasion of team privacy

Mon, Nov 13, 2017, 5:30 PM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Eddie Jones wasn't happy with the conduct of one journalist. Photo: Getty Images
Eddie Jones wasn't happy with the conduct of one journalist. Photo: Getty Images

England coach Eddie Jones has taken aim at a member of the English press, after a story emerged detailing confidential team information.

Jones began his Monday press conference with two statements - firstly, apologising for being seen swearing on television in his team's win over Argentina, before taking aim at one member of the English media, for the invasion of privacy.

A story in the Daily Mail included details of the team's schedule, which was displayed on an electronic touchpad in the England team's private section of Pennyhill Park.

Though Jones didn't name the journalist on Monday, he was angry about the incident.

“I’m very disappointed in the way the media has behaved,” he said.

England didn't do it easy against the Pumas. Photo: Getty Images“We’ve had a member of your contingent break into our area at the hotel, take photos of classified information, so we’re extremely disappointed and I’d expect more professionalism from the journalist.

“It’s obviously one who I’m not going to name but I’m really disappointed and I would appreciate in the future if you respected our private areas of the hotel.

“It’s quite disappointing. I’m not going to address that topic anymore, I’ve made my point and that’s the end of it.”

On the field, Jones shouldered much of the blame for their disappointing, albeit victorious, performance against Argentina last weekend.

“I thought our effort and application was first class, they’re a difficult team,” he said.

“I obviously didn’t coach the team well enough.

“It’s my fault the team didn’t play well so I take full responsibility for that. I just didn’t coach well enough.”

Jones’s in-game ire was caught on camera, with the England mentor smashing his notepad onto the desk in front of him, seen saying, ‘How f******* stupid are we?’ after England gave away a penalty.

The Australian apologised on Monday, saying it was ‘unacceptable’ language.

“(It’s) not acceptable so I apologise for that and I’ll find a different way to express my frustration in the future,” he said.

Mike Brown is undergoing return to play concussion protocols. Photo: Getty ImagesJones is expecting to have the services of Mike Brown at his disposal on Saturday against Australia, after the fullback took a heavy fall at Twickenham against Argentina.

Brown collided with Nicolas Sanchez in the air and landed heavily on his head, a landing that ended his game.

Jones said Brown was being monitored closely, but was confident he’d be able to play.

“He did some bike today so there’s a set protocol on return to play and he’s progressing pretty well at the moment,” he said.

“The medical staff is very atuned to having the players welfare at absolute premium and that’s the first thing we’d take into consideration.”

Usual winger Anthony Watson filled Brown’s shoes when he went off against the Pumas and Jones was pleased with his efforts.

Australia takes on England on Saturday November 18, kicking off at 3pm local, Sunday 2am AEDT, LIVE on beIN Sports and SBS.

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