Jones: We must be multi-dimensional

THE last peak scaled by England under Jones was in Australia last summer when they came from one down to clinch the Test series against the Wallabies at the Sydney Cricket Ground. 

- PAUL REES

Jones has since changed sides. Sacked by England in December, he succeeded Dave Rennie as Australia’s head coach a month later and last week he named his squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship, which starts with a joust against South Africa in Pretoria on Saturday.

Sixteen of the 23 who were involved in the third Test a year ago have survived the change of regime and there was a recall for outside-half Quade Cooper, who was injured in the warm-up ahead of the first Test against England.

Jones is known for his left-field decisions. He once mused about converting England wing Jack Nowell into a wing forward and a newcomer in his Australia squad, Josh Kemeny, is a flanker Jones believes has the pace to feature on the wing.

“Josh is one of three utility players we have named,” said Jones. “We have not picked this squad as a World Cup squad. We are creating the structure of a team that will take us to France.

“We need a back rower who can play on the wing and it is something I am serious about. Michael Hooper could have done it in his younger days when he was faster than most wings.

“We want Kemeny to play seven, six and on the wing. He is quick enough to play out wide which is why we named him as a utility player. He is a tall, rangy guy who is good in the air.