Former England star explains why RFU made 'right' Jones decision
Rugby guru Eddie Jones will go down in history as one of the greatest England coaches of all time, even though recent results haven’t gone his sides way.
England are a proud rugby nation, a traditional powerhouse on the world stage, but the Autumn Nations Series showed that something wasn’t quite right nine months out from the World Cup.
After losing to Argentina 30-29 at Twickenham to begin their November series, England only managed to win one of their next three Test matches – which was a 39 point demolition of Japan.
While a staggering nine minutes of points scoring fun saw England salvage a draw against the All Blacks a week later – and avoid a simply disastrous defeat – they weren’t so lucky against South Africa in their final Test of the year.
The 14 point result only tells half the story, but simply: the reigning world champions were in complete and utter in control. South Africa’s joy was England’s pain, as the hosts brought an end to their worst year since 2008.
England had lost their way, and supercoach Jones’ fate had largely been sealed pending a review.
The Welsh Rugby Union announced earlier this week that Warren Gatland would return to replace under fire head coach Wayne Pivac, and England added to the international rugby coaching drama shortly after.
But while there are rumours, Jones’ replacement is yet to be made official.
While the RFU will be working hard behind the scenes, the reaction from the rugby world is still raw.
Former England international Ugo Monye described the “element of shock” that all supporters felt after hearing the news that Jones had been axed.
“Whether you thought it was coming, whether you thought it was the right thing or not, I think there was still an element of shock,” Monye said on BBC’s Rugby Union Daily.
“When you have been in post for a period or length of period that Eddie has which is seven years, and there is something different because it is Eddie Jones.
“He is one of the best coaches the game has seen at international level, who’s been right across the globe, and if rumours are true he could still be extending his coaching CV and taking on another post whenever that may be.
“But cause it’s Eddie, and cause he has that sense of gravitas, you’re still a bit like ‘oh wow.’
“My mum who doesn’t follow rugby as much as she used to since I retired, it was a conversation on our family WhatsApp group… just said ‘wow, really?’ It’s still big news, it feels slightly surreal, but in saying all of that I still think it was the right decision.
“It’s interesting, when you have someone who’s been in post, who’s had reasonable success, three Six Nations titles, one Grand Slam, two series victories to Australia – in fact the only two series victories to Australia that England have ever had.
“You look at all of that and think it’s been a successful rein, and then you break it down and you look at the last perhaps two years, two or three years really since that World Cup final… I felt as if the team has regressed. If there is a team on the slide nine months before a World Cup, you have to make a decision.
“Ultimately I think the RFU have made the right decision.”
Jones is undoubtedly one of the greatest rugby minds to have ever graced our game, and the impact that he’s had on a number of teams around the world will not soon be forgotten.
As well as stints with the Wallabies and Springboks, Jones’ genius was the catalyst behind Japan’s ground-breaking win over South Africa at the 2015 World Cup.
On that day, Jones etched his name into rugby immortality.
Jones continued to find success during his decorated seven year stint with England, which included three Six Nations title, one Grand Slam and a World Cup final appearance.
As Monye touched on, the mastermind also coached England to two series wins in Australia – a feat which had not previously been achieved by the proud rugby nation.
But rugby is a results driven business, and “perhaps the writing was on the wall” for Jones after the Autumn Nations Series.
“I don’t know whether it always had to end this way but I think… perhaps the writing was on the wall. It could only be salvaged by winning a World Cup,” Monye added.
“It’s a funny one for me. I’ve never been coached by Eddie Jones but I’ve got to know Eddie Jones quite well over the last seven years, and I’ve gotten on really well with him.
“Today is not a day of celebration. I don’t think anyone’s doing cartwheels saying ‘yes they made the right decision.’
“It’s still someone losing their job, it’s still an England team that needs to find a head coach, it still is nine months from a World Cup and they’re the challenges.
“There’s still a little bit which needs sorting out.”
Comments on RugbyPass
What a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
8 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to comments