The highs and lows of Eddie Jones' England tenure
Eddie Jones has been sacked as England head coach in response to a dismal autumn with the 2023 World Cup fast approaching.
Here, the PA news agency looks at the highs and lows of Jones’ seven years in charge.
Highs
Grand Slam, 2016
Jones’ reign began with fireworks as he masterminded England’s first Grand Slam since 2023 and first Six Nations title for five years using the same players who had crashed to a group exit at the World Cup just months earlier.
Series whitewash of Australia, 2016
As part of a record-equalling 17-Test run, Australia were crushed 3-0 on a tour that saw Jones at his combative best. The Wallabies were World Cup runners-up having lost to New Zealand in the final just eight months previously.
World Cup semi-final, 2019
England delivered one of the finest performance in the nation’s rugby history by flattening New Zealand 19-7 in the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup. Never has a 12-point victory been so emphatic.
Lows
The wheels come off, 2018
Everything Jones initially touched turned to gold, but the cracks began appearing in the shape of a five-Test losing run – six if the defeat in the non-cap international against the Barbarians is included.
World Cup final, 2019
A week after scaling the heights by toppling champions New Zealand, England collapsed to a 32-12 defeat by South Africa in the final. From the start they looked incapable of putting a dent in an inspired Springboks team.
Six Nations fifth-placed finish, 2021
For the second time in the Jones era, England finished fifth in the Six Nations, mirroring their performance in 2018. Jones reacted by axing some of his old guard, yet within the year most of them were back.
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wel the crusaders were beaten by a queensland reds side that hadnt beaten them at home since 1999 and queensland reds partied like it was 1999
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
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