Should Eddie Jones be the next Wallabies coach after Dave Rennie?
Jones may have not been to everyone’s taste when he led the Wallabies to the World Cup final in 2003 – nor in his current gig at the helm of England – but his experience in big games is hard to top and he should be considered as Rennie’s successor.
That’s the verdict of Sydney Morning Herald chief rugby writer Georgina Robinson, who joined hosts Brett McKay and Harry Jones for Episode 14 of The Roar Rugby Podcast on Wednesday.
Eddie Jones has been touted a potential coach’s coach with reports in recent weeks that Dan McKellar of the Brumbies and Brad Thorn of the Reds are the leading contenders to replace Rennie.
Harry Jones said he thought Rennie would survive beyond the World Cup by taking the Wallabies to the semis in France, and asked Robinson if and why the next Australian coach had to be an Australian.
She said the decision to go with New Zealander Robbie Deans in 2008 was “hugely controversial and it remained controversial all throughout his time at the Wallabies.”
Robinson said that after the struggles of Ewen McKenzie and Michael Cheika, “Australian rugby fans caught onto the fact that Wallabies performances were deteriorating for factors other than the coach alone.
“That’s when we started to go ‘well, Robbie Deans looked like he did pretty well with what he had.
“At the time it was his kiwiness that was hugely controversial. When they appointed Dave Rennie they said ‘okay we’re going to get the best man’ (but they still thought it was important, and it is important, for Australia to breed its own coaches that are capable of coaching the Wallabies.
“Rugby Australia have dropped the ball on coach development for a long time and this is the fruit. Dave Rennie, a great coach, but a Kiwi, is our best option at this time. Eddie Jones was coaching England and unavailable.”
Rennie has made it clear he believes he should be replaced by an Australia and he has brought frontrunner McKellar on board as a Wallabies assistant – full time from post Super Rugby Pacific.
“Does it have to be an Australian coach? No, but in two to four years the coaches we have now will be ready to have a crack,” Robinson said.
Harry Jones had an interesting take on namesake Eddie.
“I think Dave Rennie is more Australian than Eddie Jones is now,” said Harry. “Eddie Jones is like a world of his own.”
“I think Dave is a Kiwi through and through,” said Robinson adding that Eddie is still very much an Aussie and “he wants to come home.
“I don’t necessarily think as Wallabies coach but Australian rugby and Eddie Jones have unfinished business,” Robinson added.
“If the business is serious about being world class you have to bring home the best Australian coach.”
Did she see him capable of taking a back ground role? Not exactly.
“I feel like Eddie is a head coach until he drops dead. That’s the problem. And so does Eddie. It’s tricky but I feel there’s a whole lot of IP and wisdom and fire to keep offshore.”
The panel also chatted about the 20 minute red card and how it’s unlikely to last ahead of the World Cup, as well as the performances of the Australian teams last weekend.
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Harry Jones
Expert
The prime reason for my view, besides history (which matters more in rugby than many sports) is the test I watched in Cardiff. France seemed very uncomfortable when the pack didn’t have ascendancy. And I think most would say SA is a step up from the Welsh in power.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Why would they not use a formula which just worked? Maybe because they know that against SA it is beneficial to tweak their tactics a bit? Just because SA are one-dimensional doesn’t mean everyone else is. I know you have seen pretty much every Test France have played since the last WC so you would know they have serious depth and talent well capable of playing many styles of rugby. To that we can add that they a handful of players who would walk straight into a Springboks XV. Personally, I believe you are pretty alone fearing NZ (and OZ!!!) more than France at the moment (that is not meant as a sledge on NZ, it is an acknowledgment of the French skill both on the paddock and in the coaching box). P.S. Can you see that you have a regular listener in Sweden now? I think that both you and Brett grow with every episode. Keep up the good work! D.S.
Harry Jones
Expert
It’ll be interesting! I’ve been wrong before, plenty. It’s just my sense: French power has been the main driver of their NH success and their AB win. That’s smart, but there is one team that has a bit more power. It’s no knock on France. Why would they not use a formula which just worked? It’s tough to switch. SA struggles to go to plan B.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I do not have confidence unfortunately that NZRU will approach him, only chance would be if Razor got the top job. Reading your profile how you were a Collingwood supporter and then changing to Union when moving, you certainly have genuine knowledge of the game. Looking forward to seeing more of your posts tuohyred.. :thumbup:
tuohyred
Roar Rookie
Me too - it could happen. JamieJo is Pasifika and might park the ego, if approached.
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Strong argumentation, Beefa. One almost sense that you are a researcher who is very comfortable backing up statements with evidence. :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Lots of fair points, Harry, but I find it strange that you believe that France would commit to a game-plan that will favor the Bokke. France (and Ireland) have serious rugby brains and nous both on and off the pitch. And you know that. I know you are a serious student of the game and if anything, France and SA look extremely evenly matched in every single parameter. Time to show France some real respect and stop with you nonsense about only fearing NZ (have you seen the ABs play the last 3-4 years one wonders almost)
tuohyred
Roar Rookie
Oops, meant to sing the praises of François Philippus Lodewyk Steyn Two world Cups and probably a third if he had not needed to withdraw due to family tragedy. He is still landing match winning l/r shots today. Probably should take them all when on the field - #10s would be offended, so it doesn't happen.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Maybe Razor as head coach and Joseph as assistant, that would excite me.
tuohyred
Roar Rookie
Jamie Joseph? BRILLIANT recruiter and selector at Highlanders. An AB #6 with enough commitment/hardness to have a Red card in o/wise good disciplinary record. One of Razor or Jamie is next AB coach, before or after next RWC- Jamie would not dishonor his Braves gig. He is a Daimyo (大名, daimyō) If/when ABs lose at next RWC, both in contention, but 'loser" would be good for Oz. A lot smarter and also harder than Bradley the Pentecostal cultist.
numpty
Roar Rookie
for the lions series, I agree the lions tried to out bok the boks. Both teams played very risk averse rugby. Kick the ball away, rush D, pounce on any errors the oppo makes, kick your 3s, solid set piece. It was funny because in game 1, the lions looked to play with more ball in hand in the 2nd half and that is when they were rewarded. Sadly they strayed away from that game plan for the rest of the series.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Oh for sure you have to front up but physical domination isn’t the primary strategy . Gatland very clearly laid down that gauntlet to SA and that was silly . NZ and Aus main approach has been to take the ball away from the Bok big boys . Make em run around a bit and no coincidence that they have enjoyed success doing that . That’s not of course cast in stone and last outing Boks beat NZ by actually doing a NZ on them with pretty expansive rugby , but generally it’s been skill and movement vs grunt .
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
I think Hodge has safely busted that myth.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
If they are the two horses Id put them back out in the paddock for a spell. Neither ready from what I see.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
For me that would be all kicks. These fabled long distance kickers rarely succeed over the long distances they are supposed to. Think Hodge and J Barrett. They dont win games with long kicks very often yet they are known for that very ability.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
Kicks that you don't want Hodge to take.
numpty
Roar Rookie
Although I broadly agree with your point, Australia did in fact win the collision against the boks with Kerevi, Korobeite, Tupou and Valetini winning the gainline. This was done by smart ball movement etc, but the fact remains they did muscle up. Scrum also held parity which was very important, and the forwards held out the SA lineout maul.
numpty
Roar Rookie
The explanation was they aren't as good as Arnold. Simples.
The Mudcrab
Guest
Jed Hollaway, ? puuuuuurleeeeeeeeeeeese !!! What has he done to deserve a Wallaby jersey? Next you`ll want Bell HJH Gamble Donaldson Edmed Foketi Gordon Perese Porecki in a gold jersey. Mate they are coming 6th on the ladder below two other Aussie teams the Brumbies and Reds. There are 4 games to go, just hold your water and see if any of them deserve a Wallaby jersey after the season is completed. Stop jumping the gun FFS.
Beefa
Guest
You better change you nom de plume mate, as you don`t seem to be "Neutral " in this discussion.