Aussie era must end now… before it’s too late
“In the name of God, go” has been said about a few notable figures over the years, and the world of sport has had its share. England, if they have even a smidgen of ambition for next year’s Rugby World Cup, need to take those words literally, and fast. If Eddie Jones is still at the helm for France 2023, their campaign will be be much like this latest Six Nations: disappointingly predictable.
And you wouldn’t need a crystal ball to make that disappointing prediction. Let’s be honest, the writing should’ve been on the wall after the World Cup final in Japan.
How could that game have gone so wrong? After a barnstorming semi against New Zealand, no less, Jones decided to mix it up for the grand finale, and go all defensive against the most defensive side in the game. It was there for the taking but, hey, nevermind. Onwards and upwards and onto a new coach for the next four-year cycle. At least that’s how it should’ve played out.
Surprisingly, England decided to stand by their man, and maybe they had a point. After all, the Aussie had guided them to consecutive Six Nations championships, including a Grand Slam, as well as that unforgettable whitewash of Australia in 2016. Then, as if to remove any doubt, England finished an embarrassing fifth last year. Surely that would be that.
Not a bit of it. Now they find themselves with another gloomy campaign under their belts; only now there’s one less year to try and build for the game’s biggest prize. Get rid of Jones now, and there’s still hope. Ignore the blindingly obvious, and the fans at home will find themselves switching over to… well, anything.
As the aforementioned match against the All-Blacks proved, England really can turn it on when they want to. But there’s only been mere glimpses of that recently. Yes, they played admirably with 14 men against the Irish, but it was a lack of discipline that put them on the backfoot in the first place. That’s been a recurring theme in this year’s Six Nations; throw in the chopping and changing of personnel and gameplans, and you have a recipe for disaster.
That last word sums-up what Jones’s tenure has become; there’s not a side in the world who won’t fancy their chances against this lot. Yet it’s not too late to change. Rassie Erasmus took the Springboks from a laughing stock to world champions in one year; Kieran Crowley just guided Italy to their first win in God knows how long after being in the job for an even shorter spell.
Some will question who would come in to replace Eddie Jones, but quite frankly, anyone will do.
The Early Whistle 