Publications
Partners
Cape Town - England coach Eddie Jones was involved in a confrontation with South Africa fans after seeing his side fall to a thrilling 42-39 defeat at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.
As it happened: Springboks v England, 1st Test
Supporters leaned over the railings and verbally insulted Jones as he walked down the tunnel at the end of the match, according to Duncan Bech of the Press Association Sport.
Jones confirmed the incident in a post-Test interview with Sky Sports.
The Australian stood his ground for 10 to 15 seconds and engaged with his abusers before being ushered away by players and staff.
READ: How the Springboks rated!
Later Jones attempted to play down the ugly scenes, saying: “They (South Africa fans) have always got plenty to say. Especially when they win.
“I was just asking them where I could get a good bottle of Pinotage. I’m still waiting for the answer so if anyone can help me out, please help me out.
“They told me to go find it myself, so I’ll have to go find it myself. That’s what happened, that’s what I asked him.
“When I asked where I can get a nice bottle of Pinotage from, he didn’t respond. I might go back and see him later.
“I wouldn’t worry about that because it was such a great game of rugby. Don’t worry about one little conversation about a bottle of red wine in the tunnel.”
Jones is under increasing pressure as England coach with his fifth-straight defeat - with a little over a year until the next Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Jones' reign began with back-to-back Six Nations triumphs in 2016 and 2017, including a Grand Slam in his first campaign, but Ireland deposed them as champions this year and they suffered defeats against Scotland, France, Ireland and the Barbarians before they set off for a three-Test series against South Africa this month.
