Attacks ring in Jones' ears

Wallaby coach Eddie Jones could be the first to go if results don't improve. Picture / Fotopress

If the All Blacks are genuinely concerned that criticism of the Wallabies will fire the Australians up for tomorrow's Bledisloe Cup test they won't be happy to hear Sam Scott-Young's latest rant.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry this week said a public and media backlash in the wake of the Wallabies' unsuccessful tour of South Africa would spur them on at Telstra Stadium.

He likened the atmosphere to what surrounded the written-off Australians before their 2003 World Cup semifinal upset of the title favourites.

Unfortunately for the All Blacks, Sam Scott-Young, the former Wallabies flanker whose dubious claims to fame include once poking his tongue out at the haka, has given coach Eddie Jones more motivation.

As Jones left the Wallabies camp and headed for a coaching seminar in Canberra, Scott-Young was advocating his dismissal and the sacking of captain George Gregan if the Wallabies do not win the Tri-Nations clash.

Scott-Young claimed the Wallabies needed "a complete reshuffle" if a third straight loss consigns them to another season without the Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations trophy.

"I'm concerned, and so are quite a few other former test guys out there," Scott-Young told the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

"Guys are worried that we might get dished [well beaten]. And if we do, where do we go?

"The World Cup is two years away and some blokes in the side are not getting any younger. So they either perform now or get rid of them. Unless we do we're going to be in strife.

"If they lose this weekend then there's got to be a clean-out. And you're always going to cut off the coach's head first."

Scott-Young said Gregan's place should be under scrutiny even if the Wallabies send the Bledisloe Cup to a decider at Eden Park on September 3.

"No offence to George, because he's given a lot for Australia, but people can overstay their welcome.

"The game this weekend could be a big turning point for Australian rugby."

Former test prop Dan Crowley agreed the game held enormous importance with the Wallabies at a crossroads in their countdown to the 2007 World Cup, although he urged caution.

"Look at things at the end of the Tri-Nations. If there is still an issue about how the team is going then you have to consider changing over some ageing players for the end-of-year tour."

- NZPA