Eddie Jones’ emotions didn’t extend to compassion for the Wallabies after his England team continued their utter dominance over his homeland in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.
The 40-16 lesson in clinical rugby in Oita on Saturday made it seven straight wins for Jones over hapless counterpart Michael Cheika since the Wallabies stunned England at the 2015 tournament
The result is all but certain to end Cheika’s time in charge.
Jones had offered his former Randwick clubmate an olive branch in the lead-up to the knockout match, describing Cheika as a “gold old mate” and expressing pride at what he had done with the Wallabies despite their struggles over the last four years.
However, there was little warmth when asked if he felt for the Wallabies after condemning them to an early trip home.
“At this moment, not a lot of sympathy no, because I’m enjoying the win and I think I’m allowed to enjoy the win, but maybe later in the week I will have,” Jones said.
“This was a good performance but we don’t feel we are at our best yet. We are probably going to have to be better next week so we are looking forward to working that out.”
Jones said victory was built on stubborn defence, something he had highlighted would be needed when he surprisingly omitted five-eighth George Ford from the starting XV.
Restricting the Wallabies to just one penalty goal when they had dominated the opening exchanges laid the foundation for victory, Jones said.
“We knew if they got away there, they’re a front-running team. We hung in and got the momentum back and took opportunities well.”
Jones had referenced the “do-or-die” history of Japanese samurai warriors in the lead-up and was at it again at fulltime, saying they’d take the same attitude into the semi-finals.
“The best samurai were always the guys who had a plan but could adapt, had a calm head but were full of aggression, and I thought we were like that today.
“The challenge is how we get better because there is always a better samurai around the corner.”