Wallabies' coach 'robotic, negative'

Wayne Smith

All Blacks' backs coach Wayne Smith has described the rugby philosophy of Wallabies' mentor Eddie Jones as robotic and negative, adding considerable spice to tomorrow's test.

The Australians had barely stepped off the Auckland Airport tarmac yesterday before Jones was forced to defend himself against the claims.

Smith said the possession-based style that had underpinned Jones' tenure as coach of the Brumbies and the Wallabies had been a blight on modern rugby.

"I think the multi-phase game that he championed was negative because I thought it was robotic. "It took decision-making away from individuals and it was based on recycling ball. I think the game's about being able to recognise opportunities and take them.

"If the opportunity's there at first-phase you take it rather than set up a move to set up another phase ... so you get to point D before you strike.

"At the moment teams are on their toes, more alert and able to take their opportunity."

Smith's comments followed Jones' call for a redress of rugby's laws, saying he believed it was becoming too hard for attack-minded teams to score because defenders were getting away with indiscretions at the breakdown.

Jones expressed surprise at Smith's comments, saying, "I'm sure Wayne's an expert on the Australian style", before switching attention back to how lax refereeing was ruining test matches.

"We're seeing players being hit consistently on the side of the body in counter-rucking. It's against the laws of the game, so why aren't we penalising it?"

Jones said referees tended to patrol the laws for the first 10-15 minutes "but then drop off".

Smith agreed the breakdown was in desperate need of salvation, as was the modern trend of teams lining up over the offside line.

Meanwhile, a decision on the availability of injured first five-eighth Leon MacDonald is expected to be made today.

Smith said halfback Piri Weepu was "pretty certain" of recovering from a thigh strain, but he was unsure about the status of MacDonald's hip flexor problem after a rest day yesterday.

"He got through training onWednesday, but it was only half-pace, which is all we required him to do.

"Obviously he's not going to push it too hard until he has to. But we'll need to find out whether he can get through the game."

Smith said Luke McAlister was a more than able replacement.

- NZPA