Michael Cheika hits back at Eddie Jones in escalating war of words

AAP

28 Nov, 2016 04:41 PM2 mins to read

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika and England coach Eddie Jones. Photosport

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has accused Eddie Jones of tarnishing his legacy with his constant sniping about Australia in the media.

Jones has lit the blue touch paper for Saturday's clash at Twickenham by issuing concerns over Australia's pack and saying he'll request a meeting with referee Jaco Peyper to address the Wallabies' scrummaging techniques.

Cheika, whose side missed out on winning the grand slam for the first time in 32 years in Dublin against Ireland on Saturday, is expecting more mind games from Jones this week in the build-up to the Test.

During the three-match series in June when England won 3-0 in Australia, Jones was constantly using his press conferences to make statements about Cheika's side, something that disappointed his former Randwick teammate.

"In June, maybe I gave him the opportunity to be like the goalscorer who scores against his old team," Cheika said.

"It's always difficult when you go back into a tournament against teams you have coached before and you don't know how to play it.

"Do you go reserved or get stuck into them? I know what I do.

"Even in a country like Ireland where I coached for many years. But that is the choice he wants to make and thinks that is the best for his team.

"There was a lot a vitriol about Australia his home nation where he coached and opportunities were given to him to grow up as a coach and play.

"Personally, if you want to leave a legacy somewhere you don't hit back at it do you when you leave."

Cheika is yet to hear back from IRB referees chief Alain Rolland and said he doesn't expect to after he called for a hearing with the Irishman after his side were pinged 13-3 in the penalty count against Ireland.

"I've got nothing from him. You'll have to ring him and ask him where it's at," Cheika said.