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Time, as they say, is the great healer – and rugby is not immune to that remedy. If you don’t believe me, look at how time has worked for Eddie Jones and his relationship with Australian rugby of recent.
Tell me, my fellow Australians, that you’re not kind of proud of what he has achieved with his English side despite the pain it has caused Wallaby fans of late?
Jones’ tenure with those who wear the rose has been nothing short of phenomenal and given Australian rugby the kick in the pants it needed.
Sure, we Wallaby fans recall the dismal days of 2005, when under Jones those who love the green and gold had to endure the capitulation of the Australian scrum that left such a lasting impression on the rugby world that the Wallaby pack became a punchline.
Jones steered the Wallaby forwards into the scrummaging abyss, from which to this day it has not completely recovered. This embarrassment, coupled with the eight loses in a row that ultimately led to his demise, could leave one wanting to never, ever mention Eddie Jones’ name again.
But time heals, and you have to admire the man’s ability and tenacity to achieve his goals.
As I ponder the phoenix-like Jones, I also reflect on the demise of his old Randwick teammate and former Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie – who himself had a distasteful exit from Australian rugby in 2014.
McKenzie has since opted for a life away from rugby, and by reports is enjoying it. Yet after watching Jones’ rise back to the centre stage of the rugby coaching world, one wonders if the man they call ‘Link’ watching the series? If so, could he see himself doing an Eddie Jones?
I hope he does, but to where? With the recent reports that Irish coach Joe Schmidt could be on the move back to his native New Zealand to take up a role, Ireland may be the opportunity McKenzie needs.
Would he want it? McKenzie was linked to the role prior to Schmidt’s appointment in 2013, suggesting there had been some desire.
Others may be more fancied for the role and names such as Todd Blackadder, Stuart Lancaster, Robbie Deans, Pat Lam, Nick Mallett, Connor O’Shea and Tony McGahan will do the rounds if the position is to become vacant.
However, despite being out of the coaching game since 2014, McKenzie has the experience to step back into such a role. Furthermore, he has been around the block once or twice, and learnt from previous mistakes made during his time in the Wallaby coaching box. Clearly Jones has, and look how things have worked out for him.
Unlike Jones, who I would argue in 2005 left the way the Wallabies played the game in veritable ruin, McKenzie’s last Test in 2014 showcased a style of rugby that came within minutes of defeating the All Blacks.
I can’t fathom how a person could dedicate themselves to the game of a rugby as McKenzie did and fully accept that he would just simply walk away forever.
I’m sure McKenzie still has rugby goals yet to be achieved. I for one would love to see him back behind the coaching lectern, even if it is at the Aviva Stadium plotting the demise of the Wallabies.
He is simply too good a rugby coach to remain in the wilderness. Time does heal all.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.