'The boys won't know what's hit them' - Eddie Jones' return reactions
While forecast by some, the dramatic return of Eddie Jones to Australian rugby not much more than a month after being sacked off by the RFU has certainly thrown the cat among the pigeons.
Jones, who previously led the team from 2001 to 2005 and oversaw the 2003 World Cup final defeat to England, has signed a four-year deal to replace the Dave Rennie.
His seven-year tenure with England ended in December with his sacking after a run of poor results, which included six defeats and a draw in 12 matches. Jones, who is 62 years old, will begin his new job on January 29th.
Former Wallaby Tim Horan said hiring the Tasmanian was “brave and has some risk”.
“Eddie Jones as new Wallabies coach……brave and has some risk. But maybe a risk worth taking considering the Wallabies current win/loss ratio,” the two-time World Cup-winning centre tweeted.
“Need a Bledisloe Cup (within 2 years) and RWC Semi and Lions win to justify the decision. Strap yourself in for the ride.”
Horan’s fellow 1991 World Cup winner Simon Poidevin supported the move, saying the Rugby Football Union had given Australia “a true gift” by sacking Jones.
“Rugby Australia has made the right decision in appointing Eddie Jones,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“The Rugby Football Union gave Australian rugby a true gift when they sacked Eddie, putting in play one of the most talented, successful and hard-working rugby coaches the world has seen.”
Matt Giteau tweeted that Wallabies won't know what's hit them: "Eddie back. I feel for Rennie but at the same time if anyone can turn things around quickly it’s Eddie. Some of the boys won’t know what’s hit them."
Former Wallabies prop Ben Alexander noted: "Rugby Union featuring in the news before tennis during the Aus Open... unheard of."
The decision clearly moved veteran commentator Nick Mullins, who posted: "Hang on… Eddie Jones has just taken over as Australia coach? If it hadn’t been so inevitable it’d be ridiculous. And all this a few hours before Steve Borthwick names his first England squad. Stay tuned…"
But not everyone was so enthusiastic.
Australia’s leading World Cup try-scorer Drew Mitchell tweeted: “It reminds me a lot of 2019. 6-8 months before a World Cup, Rugby AU’s leadership lose faith in the current coach. 2019 they appointed a selection panel because they didn’t have faith in (Michael) Cheika. 2023 they sack Rennie.
“At what point does the focus turn on the people who make the appointments in the first place? These tweets aren’t about my thoughts on who or who shouldn’t be the man in charge. To some extent, feels like history is repeating itself.”
However, Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan said: “It is a major coup for Australian rugby to have the best coach in the world return home to coach the iconic Wallabies and to oversee the Wallaroos programme.
“Eddie’s deep understanding of our rugby system and knowledge of our player group and pathways will lift the team to the next level.
“This represents an opportunity to secure a coach of immense expertise and experience at the biggest competitions, and we did not want to miss it.”
additonal reporting RugbyPass
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With all the analysis and how good the all blacks were.The fundamental mistake with the ABs is that this is a test match and not an exhibition.There is no better team(country) in world rugby than the Boks that knows how to win a test match(we are post masters at this).We know our rules, we have the discipline, we tackle like beasts, we take our points and we never give up.I now have educated the ABs supporters(at least say thank you).Please stop “bitching” , accept what the outcome is and move along swiftly.
Go to commentsI'm happy for the people of SA to get a second WC. And I mean that. I was very disappointed with this man's “stand on the hand” incident with Josh Van Der Flyer (Ireland). Ireland's downfall in the last WC was they did not rotate their first 15 as the head coach probably should have. That said, I'm happy for SA and genuinely hope it lifts the mood in their country. Ireland did beat them in the first match of the tournament. And before the trolls start trolling ….. please don't bother. Etzbeth said recently that the Irish players said after the match “see you in the final”…..this was actually wishing the SA team the best of luck in the rest, the Irish team were not dismissing the AB’s. This is what Etzbeth was implying. But he was wrong. I no longer live in Ireland. But I hope to see them lift that cup before I pass. Anyway, congratulations SA. 👍
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