Well, I agree, Barnes is playing far better now he is surrounded by winners.

Connolly needles Jones

By Peter Jenkins
September 18, 2007

THE most high-profile feud in Australian sport erupted again when John Connolly launched his latest attack on Eddie Jones.

Connolly shot a thinly veiled accusation at the Springbok defector - the man he replaced as Australia coach helm last year -- suggesting Jones was largely to blame for boom five-eighth Berrick Barnes almost missing World Cup selection.

Barnes was the last player chosen in the 30-man touring party with Connolly admitting the youngster who starred against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday won his place on potential, not on form, after a wretched Super 14 season.

Queensland finished with the wooden spoon in Jones' first year at the franchise.

But Connolly hinted that the presence of Jones, and the failure of the Reds to fire, explained the disappointing downturn for Barnes at provincial level this season.

"He did not have a good year," Connolly said. "But that was (due to) the environment he was playing in, unfortunately. We saw his potential and he was picked for this World Cup on his form from the previous year."

While the latest round in the bitter spat between Connolly and Jones was delivered with that single press conference punchline, Connolly will direct more time and energy into finalising a Wallabies backline to take on the flamboyant islanders.

Skipper Stirling Mortlock (shoulder) is not expected to play again until a quarter- final in Marseilles on October 6.