Ex-coach backs Gregan for scrumhalf

SYDNEY – Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones yesterday backed George Gregan to remain the Test scrumhalf after winning his battle with Test understudy Matt Henjak in their weekend Super 14 showdown.

Jones, who was sacked as coach last December after the Wallabies’ worst losing streak in more than 30 years, backed Gregan to hold on to the number nine jersey as John Connolly takes over as national coach. Gregan finished last year under pressure after leading the Wallabies for the 50th time in a record 118 appearances for his country.The 32-year-old Wallaby general pointed out former Brumbies team mate Henjak in his debut match for Western Force against the ACT Brumbies with the Brumbies prevailing 25-10.”I think Matt probably let the occasion get to him a little bit,” Jones told local radio Monday.”If you read his comments during the week, he was thinking a little bit too much about the game before the game, rather than just worry about playing the game.”I’m sure as you’ll see over the next three or four weeks, a much more focused performer.George is a good player and I think he showed (that) on Friday night.He steered them around the paddock and he got them home.”Jones, who has already been appointed the Queensland Reds coach for next season, said Gregan needed to be wary of the renewed challenge from Reds’ scrumhalf Sam Cordingley.- Nampa-AFPGregan finished last year under pressure after leading the Wallabies for the 50th time in a record 118 appearances for his country.The 32-year-old Wallaby general pointed out former Brumbies team mate Henjak in his debut match for Western Force against the ACT Brumbies with the Brumbies prevailing 25-10.”I think Matt probably let the occasion get to him a little bit,” Jones told local radio Monday.”If you read his comments during the week, he was thinking a little bit too much about the game before the game, rather than just worry about playing the game.”I’m sure as you’ll see over the next three or four weeks, a much more focused performer.George is a good player and I think he showed (that) on Friday night.He steered them around the paddock and he got them home.”Jones, who has already been appointed the Queensland Reds coach for next season, said Gregan needed to be wary of the renewed challenge from Reds’ scrumhalf Sam Cordingley.- Nampa-AFP