Administrators, Super Rugby coaches, players and everyone else should strap themselves in for the ride, because Eddie Jones is the only real candidate to replace Dave Rennie as Wallabies coach after the World Cup.
In the past week, Rennie has let it be known he needs an answer after the spring tour in regards to an extension post 2023, while Jones has let it be known the World Cup in France won’t be his last.
Eddie JonesCredit:Getty
There are no such things as coincidences when it comes to coaches positioning themselves for their next gig.
Forget about Rennie’s win percentage at the Wallabies, he would be coveted by plenty of clubs. My best guess is Japan might come calling, with Kobe having strong links to New Zealand via Wayne Smith and their pre-existing relationship with the Chiefs, Rennie’s former side.
As for Jones, a homecoming to Australia for the British and Irish and Lions tour in 2025 and the World Cup two years latersurely appeals if the terms are right.
Let him keep his role with Suntory, as the RFU has. And don’t be afraid of his personality. It’s big – but so is the Wallabies job. The timing is right to try to bring him back.
If you follow Jones’ press appearances in the UK – and it’s almost impossible not to, given his ability to create a headline – then it’s very difficult to come to any other conclusion that his restless desire to create rugby perfection is still as strong as ever.
At 62, he clearly maintains that relish for picking up any crumb of knowledge that might assist in improving his side. Last week, it was an WhatsApp group including Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta, a man 22 years his junior. Jones can’t be said to be lacking confidence, but he has hardly closed himself off to new ideas.
The flipside to that work ethic is that he burns through assistants. England have been through a few during Jones’ time in charge, so Rugby Australia officials would have to go in with eyes wide open if they want to bring him back.
But look what they get in return. There just isn’t anyone as remotely experienced as Jones on the market. Test rugby is an extraordinarily demanding journey but Jones has the passport stamps. There is little he hasn’t seen on the rugby field.
Off it, he may be a gift from the Gods considering rugby’s current woes. He loves rugby league but there would be no greater promoter of the 15-player game in Australia than Jones.
Rugby’s diminished status clearly pained him when he was in Australia with England in July. His job would be to coach but his one-liners and willingness to take anyone on would generate some media coverage too. And can you imagine the fun he’d have with New Zealand if this year’s struggles were to be repeated?
There has already been some vague talk about what role he might occupy, with a director of rugby-style position thrown out there. But why? He’s a coach in every fibre of his being, so let him coach. That’s where his value is, rather in some manufactured quasi-management position where his role isn’t quite clear.
There would be opposition. They have long memories in Queensland, where his stint with the Reds did not go well. Expansion teams the Rebels and the Western Force might also be a bit uneasy, given Jones’ belief that Australia rugby was at its best when there were three teams in Super Rugby. Jones wouldn’t accept some of the rugby that is currently produced by Australian sides in Super Rugby Pacific.
Therefore, some egos should expect to be bruised if Jones can be persuaded to return. Yet, it is often striking to hear some of the England players talk about him.
Former Randwick player and now England coach Eddie Jones back on his home ground of Randwick Oval during England training.Credit:Steven Siewert
It certainly helps when you have strong, self-confident characters such as flanker/second-rower Courtney Lawes in the camp, but the best players in England seem to be able to separate Jones’ character quirks from his ability as a coach. Or rather, they accept it as part of the overall package.
They certainly know where they stand with him. If Jones thinks you aren’t fit enough, the message will get through. If you concede too many penalties, that will be conveyed succinctly and sharply.
Such an approach may not be the worst thing for a Wallabies side that has conceded too many penalties for what seems a lifetime.
So, Jones to return to the Wallabies? As sequels go, it may be one of the better ones.
Watch all the action from the Wallabies’ Spring Tour with every match streaming ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport. Kicks off this Sunday with Scotland v Wallabies from 3:10am AEDT.
