Wallabies' White ultimate praise for Eddie Jones

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie spoke to media from the Sunshine Coast.

Hailing him the king of mind games, coach Eddie Jones has an open invitation to dinner with Wallabies halfback Nic White during England's three-Test tour next month.

After England's lean Six Nations and an embarrassing performance against the Barbarians last weekend Jones is already on the front foot as he looks to stretch his winning record over Australia beyond eight straight.

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On naming his touring squad, Jones has warned of the "abusive crowds" in Australia and "aggressive media".

While feisty veteran White loves to spar on and off the field, he insists he's not in the same league as master coach Jones but would like the chance to learn from the best.

He's familiar with Jones' verbal sideshow after he talked up White's form prior to their Twickenham Test last year.

"If there's one guy I definitely won't be getting into battle with it's Eddie Jones," White said on Thursday. 

"But you know when they ask that question of who you'd love to have dinner with, he pops to mind straight away. 

"I'd love to pick his brain, he's obviously a mastermind.

“His name in World Rugby carries so much weight. When he talks, you should listen because he’s seen it all, had success at every level and obviously is a very good coach.

“He’s someone I admire really.”

The Brumbies No.9 said Jones wasn't entirely wrong, expecting the Wallabies and their fans to get up for the series which starts in Perth on July 2.

The Aussie v England, that rivalry, in all sport is huge let alone Rugby," he believes

“We do love that series and we’ll be up for it. Hopefully, we’ll be dragging all of Australia along with us so it’s exciting. We’ll get over there to Perth and it’ll be packed to the rafters full of gold and hopefully we get a chance to get vocal.

“Hopefully he is right. They are very vocal over there and we give them something to cheer about.”

White, 32, is looking forward to duelling with another halfback veteran after Danny Care was recalled to the England squad for the first time since falling out with Jones in late 2018.

The Wallabies ace said he wasn't surprised Care was back, only that it had taken so long given what the 35-year-old still had to offer.

"His form over the last while has been phenomenal ... he's been great for Harlequins, he's just a maverick," White said.

"What to expect with Danny, expect the unexpected.

"He's got a running game, he's got a short kicking game, he can control a game, he's bloody quick to the breakdown, loves to play really quick and we're going to have to be on our toes."

While he rated emerging halfback Harry Randall, White said it "made sense" for England to play Harlequins clubmates Care and Marcus White in the halves.

"Marcus Smith's come on leaps and bounds maturing as a player, and to have a guy there inside him that he's super comfortable with that probably makes a lot of sense ."

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