Former Wallaby coach Eddie Jones, once a stout supporter of Australian skipper George Gregan, says the wily scrum-half is too often allowed to take control of games away from referees, it was reported yesterday.
Jones, who now coaches Queensland Reds, has demanded that match referee Matt Goddard not be swayed by Gregan in today's Super 14 match against the Reds in Brisbane.
Jones regularly spoke up for Gregan during his time as national coach when the Wallaby scrum-half general was criticized by the media for his form.
But that has now changed given Jones' comments that Gregan is too often allowed to take control of games.
Jones, who is renowned for his "mind-games" ahead of matches, has urged referee Goddard to take firm control of the Reds' match against Gregan's Brumbies.
"Matt Goddard's very lucky because he's got someone to help him referee the game," Jones was reported as saying in yesterday newspapers. "I know he's doing handstands, the referee. I'm sure George is going to help [ACT flyhalf] Steve Larkham play well and Matt referee well."
"Only thing I'm hoping for is that Matt Goddard referees the game and George doesn't," he said.
Jones compared Gregan to former England captain Martin Johnson and former All Blacks skipper Sean Fitzpatrick for his ability to "manipulate referees."
"George does influence referees," Jones said. "He's very good at it and he should be congratulated on it, but the referee should control the game. George is a great player. He's one of those blokes brought up to referee games."
Jones praised Gregan and Larkham's influence, but hinted that they are at the end of their careers.
"They've been outstanding. They've won World Cups. They've won the Tri Nations. They've won Super 12s, won everything going around and their influence is still strong on the game," he said. "They are still the brains trust of a very vibrant and well-coached Brumbies side.
"But at some stage that influence has to stop, and I'd like to think on Saturday night we can dilute some of that influence in Australian rugby. Look, they are just getting older," Jones said. "You just can't keep playing. George is approaching 34 and still influential. Is he as good as he was when he was 29? Probably not, but he's still a pretty handy player. The one thing I'd like to do is contain his influence."
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