Eddie Jones described the Kurtley Beale saga as an 'absolute joke' © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

Features: Cheika puts ARU in cheque-mate

News: Cheika set to be named Wallabies coach

Article: Deans critical of vested interests in ARU

Article: Larkham knocks back Wallabies coaching job

Article: Ewen McKenzie behind Hun't switch to rugby

Former Wallabies mentor Eddie Jones says it's "un-Australian" the national team are still without a coach, some 48 hours before they're due to fly to Europe.

Speculation intensified on Tuesday that New South Wales Waratahs coach Michael Cheika had agreed to fill the position left vacant by Ewen McKenzie's weekend resignation following weeks of turmoil since the Kurtley Beale incident en route to Argentina.

But there has still been no official confirmation from the Australian Rugby Union. And the clock is ticking loudly, with the Wallabies set to fly to London on Friday afternoon ahead of their five-game spring tour of Europe.

Coach-elect Michael Cheika is said to be close to putting pen to paper but is insisting on certain staff appointments.

On Wednesday, Jones said the protracted process threatened to undermine Australia's reputation as a "smart country" within the rugby world.

"It's very un-Australian isn't it?" Jones told Sky Sports Radio. "Australia has always been a smart country. At this stage, that's where we've fallen behind in terms of organisation and planning, and just looking ahead."

Jones said Cheika would have his work cut out for him if he assumed the post.

"He's going to have one of the hardest jobs in the world."

He said the 47-year-old should insist he is supported by staff that understand his vision and style - but shouldn't be given "carte blanche" in running the Wallabies.

"There needs to be some sensible organisation here ... like in any job," Jones said.

The controversy involving Wallabies star Beale had also been bungled, with the decision to schedule a hearing for as late as Friday an "absolute joke" according to Jones.

He said Australian rugby lacked much-needed foresight and wasn't commanding the same local support as the NRL and AFL codes in its current state.

"There's nothing looking ahead for Australian rugby," he said.