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Australia coach Michael Cheika
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Cheika backs Jones to revitalise England

Australia coach Michael Cheika has tipped compatriot Eddie Jones to revitalise England after their Rugby World Cup disappointment.

MICHAEL CHEIKA HAS backed Eddie Jones to bring success to England after being appointed as Stuart Lancaster’s replacement on Friday.

Jones was handed a four-year contract by the Rugby Football Union to rebuild confidence within the England camp after a disappointing World Cup – a campaign brought to an end by a pool-stage defeat at the hands of Cheika’s Australia.

His appointment comes after impressing in charge of Japan, when he masterminded their best performance at a World Cup, including a memorable 34-32 victory over South Africa.

Cheika is confident Jones – who also coached Australia earlier in his career – can revive England’s fortunes, starting with the Six Nations in February.

“I’m a mate of Eddie’s so I can only speak highly of him,” Cheika said after coaching the Barbarians against Argentina on Saturday. ”He’ll be a good fit for what’s required.

“He’ll enjoy it, is an international-level coach and will do very well. This is the sort of level he should be coaching at. He’ll bring the style of play he believes will suit England best. I’m sure we’ll see that pretty much straight away in the Six Nations.”

Jones’ first tour with England will see him come face-to-face with Cheika in 2016, the Wallabies welcoming England for three Tests in June.

He added: “When the game’s on, it’s the battlefield and when it’s over, life returns to how we know it. There will be a bit of banter when the tour comes and that’s good fun because we both enjoy that.

“He has given me the odd bit of advice here and there, which I’ve appreciated. I know that won’t be happening any more though and he won’t be wanting me to do well.”

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