Wallabies coach Eddie Jones knows most people are writing his team off. He wouldn't have it any other way.
Dressed in the official Australian kit topped off by an Akubra, Jones was like an old western cowboy firing off at the media before departing to France.
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He took shots at questions around the omissions of Quade Cooper and Michael Hooper, admitting he'd tried to contact the flyhalf with little success.
“I’ve tried to but we caught get hold of him. He’s obviously very upset," he said.
“We’ve tried to ring him but that’s all I can do. What more can I do? Tell me?"
Jones then fired up at any negative questions about the team's prospects, picking a youthful squad for the tournament.
"I can't believe the level of negativity here boys," Jones said.
"I know what's wrong with Australian rugby, and part of you blokes have a problem because you're so bloody negative about everything, so negative about everything.
"We're going off to a World Cup you don't think we can win. You think the selection process is bad because the players complain, so I apologise for that. We'll go out there and do our best boys. So if you haven't got anything positive to say, don't ask."
Jones was defiant about his team and their growth, feeding off the underdog mentality
“Fantastic, none of you guys think we can do any good so that’s all right. The challenge of this group is to show you we can,” he said on the team's doubters
“..We’re ready to show the world what we can do."
After almost ten minutes, Jones gave one final pitch to get behind the team before a departing spray to media.
"Guys, we got a young squad here. They're gonna make some waves in France," he added.
"Thanks for the worst press conference I've had in World Rugby.
"That is the worst I've ever seen."
