If you asked English rugby fans at any point this year about their national coach Eddie Jones – most would tell you that he is on borrowed time. Since their exceptional Rugby World Cup campaign in 2019 in which they made the final – followed by their Six Nations triumph in 2020 (the third of Jones’ tenure), England have regressed under his stewardship over the past two years.
So much so, it has ended up costing him his job, after it was announced earlier this month that he was sacked as England’s coach – effective immediately. While some fans will be rejoicing at the news of the Australian’s removal from the top job, it’s bold from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to make a decision of this magnitude just nine months out from the World Cup kicking off in France.
For those who enjoy a sports bet, at the time of writing, Steve Borthwick is the strong favourite at 8/1 to take over the England coaching role.
Given Jones’ dismissal and the huge impact it could have on professional rugby in England, read on as we dissect his side’s performances in the last 18-24 months and how they were more than likely the catalyst for his firing.
After finishing fifth in the 2021 Six Nations, of which included losses to Scotland, Wales and Ireland – Jones began to find himself being questioned for his head scratching selections and tactical decisions that were a far cry from what brought the team enormous success in the previous two years.
However, somewhat fortunately for Jones, with Covid-19 restrictions stopping many international rugby fixtures from taking place during that period, any widespread criticism failed to gather steam. That was until this year, when England again had a poor showing in the Six Nations, finishing third behind Ireland and France.
It was their uninspiring performances against Les Bleus and Scotland that was a cause for concern – as they appeared disjointed and weak at the set-piece, something we don’t traditionally attribute to great England sides of the past. Fast-forward to the summer and they had a highly-anticipated three test tour of Australia.
After losing their first test in Perth 30-28, in which they capitulated down the stretch – rumours began to swirl that Jones had lost the dressing room. To their credit, England would go on to win the next two games and ultimately the series – however – given it was against a rebuilding Wallabies outfit who lacked considerable depth, more needed to be seen if the 62-year-old was going to be the man to lead Courtney Lawes and company into the sport’s showpiece tournament next year.
He couldn’t manage to do so, as the last time we have seen the national team front and centre was in a disappointing Autumn Nations Series campaign last month. They went on to lose in dire fashion to Argentina, defeat Japan handily, and draw 25-25 at the death with the New Zealand All Blacks. A mixed bag of performances like that are not what fans want to see less than 12 months out from a World Cup – and it appeared to be the last straw for the powers that be at the RFU.
In a statement, Jones noted that he is pleased with much of what they achieved as an England team and that he looks forward to watching the team’s performance in the future.
“Many of the players and I will no doubt keep in touch and I wish them all well in their future careers.”, he said.
Whether you agree with the decision or not, one thing is for certain, Jones’ coaching career is one of the greatest of the modern era. Leading both the Wallabies and England to a World Cup final – coupled with his enormous influence in helping the game of rugby grow in Japan – his résumé speaks for itself.
Will sacking Jones help or hinder England’s chances at the 2023 Rugby World Cup? We’ll have to wait and find out. For those who follow betting tips, England are currently the fifth favourite at 6/1 to win it all.