Wales coach Gatland wary of Eddie's World Cup tactics

Ahead of their high-stakes World Cup clash, Wales coach Warren Gatland says he's not sure what the Eddie Jones-coached Wallabies will bring.

EDDIE JONES, the England head coach issues instructions during the England training session held at King's House School Sports Ground in Chiswick, England.
EDDIE JONES, the England head coach issues instructions during the England training session held at King's House School Sports Ground in Chiswick, England. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images

They won't be sitting down for a curry together anytime soon but Wales boss Warren Gatland says he finds under-siege Australian coach Eddie Jones "good company".

Long-time rivals, Gatland is unsure of what Jones's Wallabies are going to throw up in their crucial World Cup clash in Lyon on Sunday (Monday AEST).

Unbeaten Wales can secure a quarter-final berth with a victory while a loss for the Wallabies would likely see them bow out before the play-offs for the first time in tournament history.

"With regards to the way they are going to play on Sunday, we have prepared for a couple of scenarios," Gatland said.

"I was surprised at their tactics against Fiji - there were 11 less minutes ball-in-play time to us (Wales against Fiji), so I am not 100 per cent sure tactically how they will come at us.

"We expect they are going to be quite direct, in those 10 and 12 channels. There's a little bit of a rugby league style to them.

"We've talked about where we want to attack Australia, in terms of the opportunities that we can potentially exploit.

"It's going to be one hell of a game, with not just them being desperate but us being desperate to progress from this pool."

Jones earlier said the veteran pair had always had a friendly relationship and they would usually make time for a meal together.

"I have always got on well with Warren," former England coach Jones said.

"We would usually have a curry together when we were coaching in the Six Nations but it is a little bit different out here."

Gatland, who returned to the Wales post for a second stint in December, said he enjoyed the polarising Jones's company.

"Our relationship has always been good. We have been out on a number of occasions and had meals together. I find his company good - he is engaging," the Kiwi said.

Jones has been under fire for his World Cup player selection and overseeing the Wallabies first ever tournament loss to Fiji last round, and has repeatedly accepted the blame for the team's short-comings.

Gatland, who moved ahead of the Australian to own the most World Cup wins with 16, said he could see that Jones was attempting to take the pressure off his players.

"In fairness to Eddie, he is trying to take as much pressure off the players as he can, saying he is responsible for the results and that things aren't good enough," he said.

"I understand where he's at it - it's a rebuilding process - he has made a number of changes and he's got a young team going forward.

"I understand, I've been in those situations in the past. There's no criticism that has been aimed at the players, it has all been aimed at Eddie.

"It's obvious he drives a lot of people pretty hard and it's been part of his success in the past, and he's going through that process at the moment."