'It's personal for Eddie': Why the RFU will be 'absolutely filthy'
When The Rugby Football Union made their staggering decision late last year to part ways with legendary coach Eddie Jones, they probably didn’t see his next move coming.
In fact, former Wallaby Morgan Turinui believes the RFU would be “absolutely fifthly” after Jones was appointed the next Wallabies coach ahead of this year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
Jones, who has taken Australia and England to World Cup finals, added to his unparalleled legacy as a test rugby country during an illustrious stint up north.
England were more than deserving of the ‘world’s best’ moniker for a period under Jones, which saw them win their 18th consecutive Test match back in 2018.
Following a disastrous World Cup on home soil in 2015, England had returned to their former glory under the tutelage of Eddie Jones.
While England didn’t win nearly as many matches as they would’ve liked last year, the decision to fire Jones was still a shock to many around the rugby world.
But the World Cup wouldn’t be the same without Jones’ brilliance, and Rugby Australia made the most of his availability.
Rugby Australia confirmed the news that Dave Rennie was out, and Eddie Jones was in ahead of the sport’s most prestigious event.
It’s an announcement Morgan Turinui believes the RFU didn’t see coming.
“They didn’t think he’d bounce back so quickly,” Turinui said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“The (RFU) probably hadn’t thought of that the whole way through.
“Privately, (the RFU) would be absolutely filthy especially with the amount of (clout) a guy like (Jones) has.
“He has all the gossip on them as well.
“It’s a really great advantage that Australia has from that point of view.
“England would not want to play Australia because they know that it’s personal for Eddie and that Australia and England is huge no matter what sport it is.
“If it comes up on the horizon, it’d be something that England would be worried about.”
Eddie Jones is not Dave Rennie, and that could benefit some fringe Wallabies hoping to make this year’s World Cup squad.
While both men are brilliant coaches, they bring different things to the table.
As Turinui discussed, players such as Suliasi Vunivalu could “make a real difference” in the Australian team under Jones.
“You look around the playing group and (Vunivalu) is probably the big winner,” he added.
“He didn’t quite break his way into the system and Dave Rennie’s preferred team.
“He’s been troubled by a hamstring a couple of times but with Jones as Wallabies coach, a fully fit Vunivalu is in a World Cup squad.
“Playing in rugby league, playing for the Reds and playing for Australia A in Japan last year, we’ve seen flashes of brilliance.
“He’s an X-factor guy that can make a real difference in your Wallabies squad.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
16 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments