'The one question' Eddie Jones has over Angus Crichton's Wallabies hopes

Angus Crichton is a Wallaby in waiting in the eyes of Japan coach Eddie Jones, but there’s a question over exactly how effective he can be once there, considering his transition is something of a last-minute affair in the context of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The 29-year-old’s talent was lauded by the ex-Wallabies boss in the wake of his signing announcement, with further endorsements from Wallabies icons George Gregan and Ewen McKenzie giving Wallaby fans plenty to smile about.

But with his Rugby Australia deal only commencing a year from now, there will be just one Super Rugby Pacific campaign and a Rugby Championship worth of game time to potentially get the NRL star up to speed on the rigours of Test rugby.

At least there’s unanimity over what position he’s best-suited for.

“A big, bustling 12, mate,” Jones grinned on the Rugby Unity podcast. “He can take on the line. The only question is, is he going to get the preparation to be alright for the World Cup?

“Super Rugby is a pretty skinny competition now, and he’s only got that one season before he goes into the World Cup. It would have been ideal if he had another season and went on a European tour.

“There’s no doubt he’s a good enough player; he’s a State of Origin player, big guy with pace, he’s got aggression, he’s got enough ball skills to be successful. It’s just, is he going to get enough time in the saddle?”

That question was thrown Gregan’s way, and the former halfback had a realist’s response.

“I think the time’s the time, he’s going to have to make the most of it,” he said. “It’s like cramming for an exam. Having a little bit of extra time in the saddle would have been ideal.

“But I watched him play the first Test at Wembley last year with the Kangaroos, and he plays on the edge, like a centre; he has that ability to straighten the line, come back at the ball, he’s got really good ball skills and is a really good defender. So, that’s going to be his position.

“I think they’ll learn quickly. They’ll back themselves. That’s what I love about any of the rugby league players who made the transition across, be it Wendell, Lote Tuqiri, Matty Rogers, Peter Ryan, Andrew Walker, they pick it up very quickly. And they bring their skill set and their mindset into it, which I think is going to be very good for the Wallabies, because he’s a winner.

“My take would be he’s definitely going to be a midfielder, just because of those traits I saw at Wembley.”

Former Wallaby prop and head coach Ewan McKenzie was on hand to offer a more optimistic view, leaning on Crichton’s upbringing in the 15-man game.

“He comes from a rugby background, so he has played the game. A lot of those converts never played the game. So, he’ll have to draw on his memory bank.

“I’ve seen the highlights of him playing as a schoolboy at 12, and hopefully he’ll remember that, and the instincts will still be there.

“Ideally, you’d have a long preparation. He hasn’t got it, but he’s certainly motivated. He’s made the decision, and he wants to get on with it, which is commendable.

“I love a skilful, powerful 12, and assuming that’s where he’s going to play and not in the back row, where it would be a lot harder for him, he’ll give himself every chance.”