Sonny Bill Williams has criticized Eddie Jones’ behavior during the Wallabies’ disastrous Rugby World Cup run.
Williams called Jones’ comments about players “disgusting” and questioned his character during an interview he reportedly gave during Australia’s campaign to become Japan’s coach.
Dual international Williams did not miss his scathing assessment of Jones after the Wallabies failed to advance past the group stage for the first time in their history.
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Williams, who won World Cup titles with New Zealand in 2011 and 2015, was shocked when Jones, 63, was linked with Japan.
“Obviously he had that meeting,” Williams told SMH.
“Honestly, it says a lot about his character. It’s ridiculous. I still can’t believe it.
“I saw right through his antics and loud talk. This man has a history of burning bridges.
“The things he did…if he was a player you wouldn’t have put up with that. “It’s great to see them being held accountable as well as the players.”
Williams also praised the Rugby Australia board, which this week sacked chairman Hamish McLennan, who controversially appointed Jones in January.
“I commend the board for making a decision without making a fuss,” Williams said.
“I spoke to Eddie on the phone before the World Cup… That wasn’t right and it was incredibly counterproductive. You have to leave your ego at the door. The public deserves better and so do these athletes.
“A lot of people have forgotten Dave Rennie’s leadership. “Australia defeated South Africa twice and got closer to New Zealand.”
Jones also controversially left veteran Test stars Michael Hooper, Bernard Foley and Quade Cooper out of his World Cup squad, claiming they were not role models.
“I thought that comment was disgusting,” Williams said.
“I was really angry about those young people. What is unfortunate is that I was not able to leave with dignity. Should he have taken a shot and walked away, calling Hooper, Foley and Quade not role model material? What does that make him?
“I see this as something that requires a reset for Australian rugby. Phil Waugh talks about some really good stuff, especially the strategy for Western Sydney. As rugby fans, we all want to believe in something.
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“Transparency is key. With the talent Australia has, something special can happen. I love the idea of bringing everything about Rugby Australia under one umbrella. “The only way is up.”
McLennan said Jones’ failures led to his dismissal from his board on Sunday night and that he accepted the coach’s commitment on the Japan issue on Monday.
“If it’s true that he did something like that… it’s appalling, it’s appalling, especially when you have to focus on the team ahead of the World Cup,” McLennan told 2GB.
“He denied it and his representative said that was absolutely not true. “If he did that, it was in terrible shape.”
