Wallaby Allan Alaalatoa discusses the “hurt” that Eddie Jones’s decision to move to Japan caused.
In response to persistent rumors and denials, former Australia coach Eddie Jones signed with Japan last week. Allan Alaalatoa, the captain of the injured Wallabies, talked about how much it “really hurt.
At a press conference two days prior to the Wallabies’ first Bledisloe Cup match of the year against the All Blacks, newly appointed captain Allan Alaalatoa sat down beside coach Eddie Jones.
Alaalatoa had just been handed the chance to captain Australia for the first time against bitter rivals New Zealand. The captain was obviously collaborating closely with the head coach.
However, Alaalatoa suffered an injury in that test. Unfortunately, the Wallabies captain will not be playing in the upcoming World Cup after rupturing his Achilles against the All Blacks at the renowned MCG.
Alaalatoa was left to experience every shock, letdown, and annoyance of that campaign alongside Australian supporters, as a revamped team traveled to France without their injured tighthead prop.
The surprise over Eddie Jones’ purported meeting was among them.
Like the majority of Australian fans, Alaalatoa wanted to think the news wasn’t true, but that just made the next part of the story even more devastating
.
In the weeks and months that followed, Jones continued to refute the report; however, last week, he was formally introduced as Japan’s new head coach. Alaalatoa felt “hurt” by it.
“I was watching the World Cup back home, of course, and I read the article that came out about him having a conversation with Japan,” Alaalatoa said in an interview published last week in The Sydney Morning Herald.
But my initial reaction was, ‘Well, that’s not true; perhaps there are rumors being spread.’ However, now that it’s verified, it hurt a lot. To tell the truth, buddy, when it was revealed that he was visiting Japan, it did hurt.
“What I saw was really disappointing.”
Eddie Jones, 63, was hailed as the much-needed rescuer for Australian sport when he was introduced as the new coach at the beginning of the year.
In January, Jones attended the Sydney Sevens and was treated like a rock star. For Australian rugby, the future appeared bright.
However, Jones’ new chapter began in earnest when he lost to the world champion Springboks in South Africa.
With five losses from as many starts heading into the World Cup, the Wallabies lost to Argentina, twice to New Zealand, and once again to France.
Not much better, the World Cup saw Australia eliminated from the competition at the pool stage for the first time ever. The Wallabies had never seen it this bad.
However, Jones had inked a five-year contract, and the players accepted that “Eddie,” as the man was affectionately known, would be playing for some time.
Therefore, it was a heartbreaking surprise to all of the players who had fought so bravely in the gold jersey this year that Jones resigned shortly after the World Cup final.
Alaalatoa remarked, “We knew he was here for five years, that he cared about the players, and that his goal was to improve us as players.”
While he may have had one eye on the future when making decisions this year, he also selected a team that he believed had a chance to win the World Cup.
“You believe him because you were a member of that squad and that team.”
“You think this man is going to stick by us for four or five years, and he’s going to support us through everything.” He is going to turn everything around and walk with us every step of the way.
“I feel bad for the boys because it’s clear that you have a great deal of faith in him, his game plans, and the cultural changes he wishes to see.
It is the responsibility of the leadership group to uphold the coach’s beliefs and encourage the group to do the same, even in the face of some skepticism. It requires a lot of energy on your part as a leader to unite everyone.
In response to persistent rumors, Jones last week agreed to a four-year contract with Japan. The JRFU formally confirmed it on Wednesday, and there was also a press conference held in Tokyo that same week.
While Alaalatoa’s evident “hurt” and disappointment may not go away for some time, the Wallabies have something to look forward to in the new era that lies ahead of them.
It’s time to put “Eddie” behind you.
It hurts to see all of this come to light and to see him sign a contract with Japan. However, now that it’s over, it hurts because it’s fresh, but on the plus side, you have the chance to move on right away,” he continued.
“Now that the decision has been made and he has received a lot of media attention, let’s move on and just forget about him.”
