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Michael Cheika relishing battle with new England head coach Eddie Jones

Michael Cheika says that he will put friendship to one side when Eddie Jones travels back to Australia with his new England team next summer.

Michael Cheika has insisted that he is "looking forward" to locking horns with countryman Eddie Jones when England tour Australia next summer.

The Aussie was appointed as the Red Rose's new head coach on a four-year deal last week, ushering in a new era at Twickenham on the back of a disappointing Rugby World Cup showing.

Cheika was one of many names linked with succeeding Stuart Lancaster as boss but, having remained committed to the Wallabies, the 48-year-old now has one eye on his side's three-Test series against England in June.

"There will be a bit of banter when the tour comes and that's good fun because we both enjoy that," Sky Sports News quotes him as saying. "I want Eddie to be happy, but I don't want him to do too well obviously.

"He's a bit older so has given me the odd bit of advice here and there, which I've appreciated. I know that won't be happening any more though and he won't be wanting me to do well!

"That'll be the relationship and I'm looking forward to the opportunity of when we go up against each other. I'm really proud that we're both Australian and from the same club, but will be doing battle in a different arena."

Before heading Down Under to face Australia, England will first look to win the Six Nations for the first time since 2011 in Jones's first major assignment.

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Michael Cheika, Head Coach of Australia gives instructions prior to the 2015 Rugby World Cup Quarter Final match between Australia and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium on October 18, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.
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