Lawrence Dallaglio has demanded that England make changes to their coaching team and playing squad in response to an “unacceptable” Six Nations Championship from Eddie Jones’ men.
Sir Clive Woodward has also insisted that his old Australian coaching foe Jones should face a vigorous Rugby Football Union inquest after the championship performances had exposed “something very wrong” with England.
Jones has received support from his team after their dismal season-ending defeat by Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, with Maro Itoje saying that the players should take the blame, not their “truly special coach”.
Yet the 61-year-old Jones, whose side’s fortunes have plummeted since they reached the World Cup final in Japan in November 2019, finds himself undergoing the harshest criticism he’s faced since taking the England job.
Their descent from European champions to a fifth-place finish was confirmed by the 32-18 collapse against Ireland.
Dallaglio, a former red rose captain and 2003 World Cup winner, believes Jones must act decisively to engineer an exit from the current slump.
“Eddie is in his sixth year with England. He has done some very, very good things,” Dallaglio told BT Sport.
“England have won three of the last six Six Nations campaigns. They got to a World Cup final (in 2019) and were well beaten in that.
“Finishing fifth, losing to Wales, Scotland and Ireland is unacceptable for England. Things have to change.
“If Eddie Jones isn’t going to change, if he’s not going to be removed as head coach, then he needs to bring in some fresh faces on both the playing side and the coaching side.
“You can argue the team needs freshening up in terms of selection. England have gone backwards over the last six months and he needs to address that, he’s the head coach.”
Former red rose wing Ugo Monye has also called for a “brand new philosophy” to be introduced.
Woodward, the 2003 World Cup-winning coach, said in his column in the Mail on Sunday: “It’s time for Eddie Jones to look in the mirror, not the window.
“Somebody at the RFU – although I’m not sure who is qualified to do so – needs to ask some sharp questions of him. There is no respected rugby ‘brain’ asking the difficult questions.
“I would like to say I was surprised but deep down I’m not. I had hoped last week was a fresh start but there is something very wrong at present.
“The graph has been going steadily downwards since that World Cup semi-final win over New Zealand with just an occasional blip or pulse of hope.”
World Cup-winning England halfback Matt Dawson also urged Jones to stop looking for excuses.
“It is unacceptable that they lost three games in the Six Nations,” Dawson told the BBC.
“I know Eddie Jones will come up with excuses and say England cannot play like that every week.
“I think England have got to work it out themselves and it comes from the top. My concern is that it is not as joined up as we are all led to believe.”
CUW
Roar Rookie
because of corona this may be a bigger squad - im going by the cricket squads of 2 that are touring these days , which used to be like 15 max sam symonds alex dombrandt brad shields mike brown piers oconner are all doing great in gallagher club rugger even marcus harris is looking better than ford n farrell
Homer Gain
Guest
As an England fan, one of the few saving graces of this shambolic 6N performance is that few if any England players will be picked for the Lions.
Tree Son
Roar Rookie
I’d love that drama. You think anyone in particular getting into lions not already in England squad?
Derm
Roar Guru
Ireland went out and played as England didn’t expect them to.
Derm
Roar Guru
The best club team, Exeter Chiefs, are playing. The former best club team, Saracens, are now playing in the English Championship and getting beaten by Ealing Trailfinders. Who should Eddie Jones be picking more of his players from?
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
The best club team in England hasn’t played rugby in over a year. Saracens’ regulation and the Covid shutting down all rugby except the Premiership means a lot of his best players aren’t getting minutes. Maybe he shouldn’t have picked them; however whether he did or not, he’s had challenges that other coaches in 6N had to deal with. He’s comfortably one of the best coaches in the world and scares the bejesus out of me when he’s at the helm of a tier 1 nation.
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
I think you’re being unfair. Australia did very well to push a great England side in the 2003 final. Also, Japan only lost one game in 2015 - a close loss to Scotland after they had to back up 4 days after the last game. And England won 3/6 6N titles, which is better than average to say the least. Saying he’s only great at the one-off games doesn’t stack up with the facts.
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
I think Jones has shown a fantastic ability to change over the years. I can’t think of any other coaches that have been at the top for nearly as long. He’s a tournament specialist - one could argue that he overachieved with every team he’s taken to a World Cup. Japan rolling a full strength Boks and only losing one game in 2015 was extraordinary. He reportedly had a lot to do with the Boks win in 2007. I’m not sure what you mean about the set play weakness. While Australia had a bad scrum at the end of his reign, it didn’t improve until 10 years after he’d gone so it’s a long bow to blame him; especially as and every other team he’s touched has had an excellent set piece. I get that don’t like him but the reasons you’re giving don’t make sense to me.
CUW
Roar Rookie
not just fans - lot of experts are questioning Eddies squad and the missing players Kaino asked how come Sam Symonds is not playing test rugger Flatman asked why Brown is not selected at 15 several others in form but not even looked at - Dombrandt Harris OConner Obano Ribbans,,,,
CUW
Roar Rookie
@ JD KIWI whether they won against France is questionable - since not all were sure Itoje scored. ask Nigel and he says - if ur England fan thats a try , if ur French fan no way !
CUW
Roar Rookie
he loves to play the victim - that the world ( basically the press) is against him. rat poison in the players brains ??? :silly: i think the dagger will be when gatland selects at least a couple of guys outside the england squad in his lions squad. im sure sam symonds will be the first name outside eddies squad.
Wayne
Roar Rookie
Whole point of an ambush is to stay hidden and out of sight.
Harry Jones
Expert
Passing accuracy was poor in this 6N
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Well JD my team The Boks have gone AWOL ...I've got to find someone else to complain about and England make such a grand target.. :laughing:
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Yes, hard to know. England have looked awful - couldn't get into their stride again because of dumb penalties and the Irish defence. But they looked awful in 2018 too. Anyway, not for us to worry about!
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Yeah, Wibble Rugby is great. Their attack against Wales and France did look very good at times, but their skills and fitness need a massive upgrade. Also check out Wibble's videos on England's semi and final in Japan. Eddie is great at the one off game he plans for way in advance - NZ in 2003 and 2019, South Africa 2015 and now France this year. Not so good in the next match. Problem is, you have to win two or three big matches in a row to win a World Cup.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Yeah he is already being compared to The Beast.. Incidentally also like Tendai a retreaded flanker.
Pim
Guest
Brilliant try
Guess
Roar Rookie
Their fans complain that there are a lot of players that have better form but he keeps picking his favorites
Wayne
Roar Rookie
On a lighter note, how good was the 23 year old Ntuthuko Mchunu try against the Golden Lions? Scary stuff when two wings and a fullback can't catch a prop over 50m :shocked: Lions might face a new and improved "Beast" that can do 100m in 10.5 seconds.