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Rugby fans and ex-Test stand-offs unite over Eddie Jones punditry
By Ian Cameron
Eddie Jones’ return to the Six Nations spotlight as an ITV pundit for England’s clash with France drew fairly unanimous negative reaction from rugby fans and at least two former Test fly-halves.
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England edged France 26-25 to revive their Six Nations title hopes in a nerve-shredding encounter at Allianz Stadium,. Despite going behind to two Louis Bielle-Biarrey tries, Ollie Lawrence, Tommy Freeman and Fin Baxter each crossed for England – with Fin Smith orchestrating play from fly-half.
France also touched down through Damian Penaud, but Elliot Daly’s last-minute converted try secured a dramatic home victory, ending a run of seven straight defeats against top-tier opposition.
“[England] are on the threshold of being a really good team but what they’ve got to take the learnings from today,” Jones told his ITV colleagues after the epic win. “Keep being aggressive – keep attacking!”
Few appreciated Jones’ newfound role as a pundit though.
Former England centre Will Carling wrote: “Thought Eddie Jones would be far more interesting as a pundit”
Fellow former England ten Andy Goode concurred, writing: “Eddie Jones being Eddie Jones on ITV what a [helmet emoji].”
Another former Test standoff. ex-Wales’ flyhalf Lee Jarvis stated: “Eddie Jones may be a good coach, BUT as a pundit, absolutely awful. His short answers, together with no personality when he speaks, is depressing.”
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Rugby fans were in agreement. Many had hoped for a hard-hitting, no-nonsense approach from Jones, reminiscent of Roy Keane’s football commentary, but social media reactions suggested a mixed reception at best, with some disappointed with the Australian’s relatively subdued take on events.
One punter wrote: “I think one thing we can all probably agree on is that Eddie Jones is a rubbish pitchside pundit!,” while another chimed in: “Thought we would’ve had more controversy! Would’ve seen the money spent better sticking him on the Masked Singer.”
“Does Eddie Jones ever have an original insight? I mean just one maybe?,” wrote another unhappy viewer, while another posted: “Eddie Jones is a waste of space – he adds nothing to your coverage & in fact detracts from it. He was a terrible manager & is a terrible pundit.”
Multiple accounts rather unkindly likened the former Japan head coach’s outfit to that of a garden gnome.
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