Rugby World Cup 2019: England dominance of Wallabies irrelevant – Cheika

Michael Cheika believes Australia’s poor recent record against England is “irrelevant” and says he has no issue with Eddie Jones ahead of a blockbuster Rugby World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

The Wallabies have lost six consecutive matches against England since knocking them out of the last World Cup.

England are favourites to win the last-eight showdown at Oita Stadium this weekend, but Australia head coach Cheika has backed his players to defy the odds.

“Call me a sucker. I believe in my lads,” Cheika said on Monday. “I know there’s other people who won’t give us much of a chance, but I believe that when you believe in yourself you are much closer to being able to create history.”

Asked about England’s recent dominance of his side, he added: “I think it’s irrelevant, really. There are reasons, I’m not trying to avoid it, but why go back and talk about all those games?

“I talked about those games in those press conferences after those games. Looking backwards is only going to give you a sore neck.”

#ENGvAUS #GoldBlooded #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/EtU6kPg2CX

— Wallabies (@wallabies) October 14, 2019

Cheika and Jones have never needed much encouragement to exchange jibes, but the Australia boss denied they have a frosty relationship.

“I don’t see him very much. Yeah fine, it’s all good,” said Cheika.

Cheika also refused to shed any light on his plans after the tournament.

He told an English journalist: “I know you don’t know me very well but I’m only thinking about today. I’m genuine.

“Actually, you’d get on pretty well with my missus, she’s always asking what’s going on tomorrow or next week or the week after. I never tell her because I want to enjoy today.”

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