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The method in Eddie Jones’ madness makes him a genius. He led England to a 39-28 win over the Wallabies at Suncorp last night.
How could an Aussie coach transform a humiliated England squad – one that couldn’t make it out of their Rugby World Cup pool – into a grand slam-winning Six Nations unit?
More of the wash-up from Wallabies vs England
» Five talking points
» Pocock ruled out of series
» Match report: Eddie’s England too good
» DIY player ratings
» Roar Forum – what changes should the Wallabies make?
» Watch the full highlights
It wasn’t just Jones’ outstanding coaching ability, but his willingness to put in place other high quality offsiders in two more Aussies. He appointed George Smith, one of the very best international number sevens, and Glen Ella to show England how to attack – a built-in Ella trait.
When the Wallabies skipped away to a 10-nil lead in the first 16 minutes through the sheer brilliance of Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Samu Kerevi and Michael Hooper, it appeared as through Jones’ well-laid plans were coming unstuck.
Oh ye of little faith!
The deficit only sparked an England revival, aided by some rank amateur Wallaby mistakes, a 9-2 penalty count in England’s favour that translated to four successful Owen Farrell penalty shots at goal and a dynamic backrow of James Haskell, Chris Robshaw, and Billy Vunipola.
England led 19-13 at the break.
The men in white stretched that lead to 29-13 by the 46th minute thanks to more elementary Wallaby errors that included a wild pass from Folau that gifted Jonathan Joseph a try. Then, the game was almost done and dusted.
The Wallabies regained some composure to earn a sniff of victory at 32-28 with five minutes to go only to cough up possession. England’s converted try closed out the first of three internationals 39-28.
Game 2 is in Melbourne next Saturday night which obviously the Wallabies must win to keep the series alive.
But it’s hard to see England improving on last night, while the Wallabies have more than enough room to up their game enormously.
The men in gold butchered their 64 per cent possession, and 66 per cent territory through their own fault.
But in all fairness, the 15-7 penalty count against them was a heavy noose around their necks.
Farrell’s six successful penalty shots dictated the outcome, and Wallaby errors completed the job.
David Pocock, Nick Phipps, and Hooper were the pick of the Wallabies, while Folau and Foley filled both the hero and villain roles.
The four debutants had mixed outings – winger Dane Haylett-Petty was outstanding in attack and defence, so too centre Samu Kerevi to a lesser extent.
Australia’s tallest-ever lock forward Rory Arnold at 208cms cost the Wallabies a Foley try through obstruction, that immediately set up another England try for a 14-point swing. Bench halfback Nick Frisby only had a handful of minutes at the death, but looked sharp and willing.
That was the Test that got away from the Wallabies, and a lot of the blame can be traced to Eddie Jones who has his side believing in themselves, with George Smith and Glen Ella adding the icing on the cake.
Bring on next Saturday night.