The Wallabies might have arrived in Paris winless and written off ahead of the World Cup, but Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan says the decision to parachute Eddie Jones into the head coaching role was “absolutely the right thing to do”.
The RA chairman also threw his weight behind Jones’ “bold” selection process, while adding that the governing body was intent on “breaking the cycle of short-term thinking” regarding its head coaching merry-go-round over the past decade.
Footage of the Wallabies enjoying a quiet first day under the warm Parisian sun poolside was in stark contrast to the high-octane scenes at Sydney International Airport, where Jones finished a doorstop interview by telling reporters they should give themselves an “uppercut” following the “worst press conference” he had been involved in.
Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones speaks to media at Sydney International Airport on August 17, 2023 in Sydney. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Combative and pugnacious, Jones said he needed to “wash himself” after perceived “negativity” as the Wallabies readied to take on the world.
McLennan said the coach’s emotive reaction typified the underdog belief and spirit that had re-emerged since Jones’ return in late January.
“Eddie’s passionate, energetic and a fighter. And he’s fighting for the Wallabies and our sport and I back him 1,000 percent and will continue to,” McLennan told The Roar.
Ever since being parachuted in to replace Dave Rennie, Jones has presented the Wallabies’ World Cup campaign as a “smash and grab” job.
Yet, the rhetoric has somewhat changed since Jones swiftly moved away from the “winning edge” of having co-captains after four consecutive defeats to the start the year.
Not only did Jones leave behind Michael Hooper, the Wallabies’ most-capped captain, but he also moved away from the model completely by naming Will Skelton skipper despite the second-rower barely ever leading before.
Tate McDermott and Angus Bell are two of Eddie Jones’ young chargers. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
Jones also axed playmaker Quade Cooper months after telling reporters the veteran fly-half was “world class”.
All the while, Jones picked just five players over the age of 30 and two playmakers in Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson, who boast just one victory from six Tests.
Despite the controversial selections and move towards youth, McLennan backed the changing of the guard nature of the squad ahead of the game’s showpiece major tournament.
“I really like the squad. I like Eddie’s thinking,” McLennan said.
“They’re determined to give it a great shake for this World Cup but we also have an eye on ’25 and ’27 and I think that bodes well.
“Rugby has a lot of emotion intrinsically tied to it and Eddie is fighting for our team, and our reputation. And I love it.
“Eddie is the most experienced World Cup campaigner in the world, and you’ve got to back his judgment.”
McLennan said Jones’ decision to shake-up the squad and back youth was supported by the RA board.
“All the major stakeholders at RA are aligned around being bold and brave. And this is absolutely the right thing to do,” he said.
Whether Jones’ “bold” plays comes off remains to be seen.
Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan has backed Eddie Jones’ selection for the Rugby World Cup. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
History shows that a combination of experience and winning momentum is essential to successful World Cup campaigns, yet McLennan said regardless of the result at this year’s World Cup it was “absolutely the right thing” to move away from Rennie ahead of their “golden decade” that includes hosting the tournament in 2027 and the British and Irish Lions in 2025.
“We’re already seeing a more driven and bold approach to the selection of the Wallabies and the previous coach had a win rate of 38 per cent,” McLennan said.
“I don’t think you need any more data than that to justify the decision to bring Eddie in.
“Eddie’s driving talk-ability around rugby and is re-wiring the team to play our unique way. You saw that in the first half in Dunedin.
“He actually knows what he’s talking about when it comes to team selection and culture. I’ve always taken a long-term view that 2027 is where we need to peak, and obviously we’d like to do well in France this year.
“We’re breaking the cycle of short-term thinking. Eddie is backing youth in this instance, and it’s the right thing for us.
“We respect what Quade and Michael Hooper have delivered for our game and this is the tough side of professional sport.”
On Thursday, Jones defended how he delivered the news to those who missed out on World Cup selection.
It came after Cooper chose not to return calls to Jones after being left out.
McLennan revealed he had spoken to Hooper and, like Jones, had attempted to reach Cooper.
“From what I’ve heard, it’s never an easy task (to deliver the bad news). But I believe that it was done in an acceptable manner,” McLennan said.
“I personally spoke to Michael Hooper to thank him for his service and we had a great conversation and he was incredibly dignified. And I too rang Quade to thank him for all that he’s done for Australian rugby and haven’t heard back. And I do appreciate that they are difficult calls to make for everyone but Eddie phoned Quade and didn’t get a response.”
With the Wallabies languishing in eighth spot on the World Rugby rankings heading into the World Cup, the entire Australian rugby landscape has come under scrutiny following their slip from finalists in 2015 to winning just 40 per cent of Tests since.
Eddie Jones has selected a new look Wallabies squad for the Rugby World Cup. (Photo by Peter Meecham/Getty Images)
McLennan said the “pressure” was firmly on the current board to turn Australian rugby around.
“The pressure’s on and we’ll deliver that,” he said.
“But it all requires funding. And let’s just not forget that the current board inherited rubble and out of nowhere we’ve been able to secure sponsorship, broadcast rights and a home Rugby World Cup in Australia, for the men and women, which is pretty remarkable.
“It’s taken us a while to get into this position and will take a little while to get us out. And we just need everyone to be a bit patient. But the patient is off life support. And rugby is going to come roaring back.”
While McLennan hasn’t been as vocal in recent months, he said Rugby Australia was enjoying the fresh leadership and voice provided by Jones and Phil Waugh’s recent appointment as chief executive.
“I work on rugby in one fashion or another every day of the week,” McLennan said.
“I think it’s also important for Waughy’s voice to be heard and Eddie’s. Rugby Australia was never about me solely. But I was happy to be the voice when we needed it.
“I don’t think it’s about me. I think it’s about the game and you’ve got the world’s best coach and a brilliant new CEO. I don’t need to insert myself in every conversation and we need to show the depth and the quality of what we’re building here at Rugby Australia.”
As for what to expect over the next 10 weeks?
“The new RA culture is a scrappy one, so we’re all fighters,” McLennan said.
“We need to win. What you’re seeing with Eddie is that renewed energy and fighting spirit come back into the team. And that bodes well.”
Hughi
Roar Rookie
Could you just drop what you're doing and take charge of AR?
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
“ Until there is a transformational change in leadership at RA……..” John, I’d be interested to read a definition of a more ideal RA leadership. Policies, priorities, pathway designs, etc. Do you harbour a summary?
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
I didn't say there is a “Wealth of talent coming through”. I questioned if he made the changes because of this or because the results weren't up to scratch. I woulod say he made the changes despite there not being a “Wealth of talent coming through”.
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
I am 80% confident that that statement applies to 70% of the contributors. People are unfortunately not wired to think like that, that is why we end up with a polarising debate with little room for compromise.
Olly
Roar Rookie
I am sure he will. To me he was not ready for Test rugby, needed to have some Test level assistance experience etc first.
John Mendoza
Roar Rookie
Well I think the Wallaroos made it pretty clear. RA has to build capability in every domain for boys & girls through to the elite. That’s leadership, admin, officiating, coaching , player pathways. Just look across the ditch. After less than expected performances in the late 1990s early 2000s, NZ set up the national rugby academy. It’s more than a gym and training drills. It is the centre of excellence that continues to drive constantly top 3 performance for all NZ teams.
Cec
Roar Rookie
“Wealth of talent coming through”…well No, that’s unproven at this stage but we’ll find out soon enough. But thus far Eddie’s picks have not been good enough. “Old brigade wasn’t able to deliver”…that would depend on which players you refer to that are out with a perspective of the players that are in their position. Depth would be less of an issue if we were more measured in our selections of youth like the ABs; I think Roigard is the only young talent with the rest having at least four SRP seasons. I can’t recall any ABs team in the last 20yrs where wholesale changes were made to dump the “old brigade”. AUS is way too quick to change players and we do this too often thus cohesion and stability in the team is wanting. It would have been great to have the 2021 TRC team that went to #3 available & fit but injuries unfortunately scuttled that.
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Twiggy is part Indigenous ( yeah right)...Only city living fwdriving nationals wear Akubra..
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Always felt indigenous talent better suited to rugby not so structured like league ( robotic) and freewheeling as hoc play that comes so natural ( cliff Lyons) is a bit of a waste in modern league.
Wizz
Roar Rookie
You know what biscuits are good for ? Dunking in hot coffee and that's about it.
Wizz
Roar Rookie
Rennie situation was tricky..limited on overseas picks and under pressure to win.Always felt certain players came with that job he just inherited..Hands tied in some respects I’m sure he goes on in better environment too much bigger things international level.
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Chip in when you feel like it.
John Mendoza
Roar Rookie
Agree. Progress must be in both boys/girls, men’s/womens. The Wallaroos have quite rightly called out the woeful decision to send them in monkey class for overseas tour. The fact this decision was consciously made by RA, speaks volumes. On the development question, rather than blowing loads of scarce cash on poaching, RA must invest in a national academy. NZ did this after there below acceptable performances 2 decades ago. My son, on a tour of NZ a decade ago, stayed at and received top shelf coaching at the academy. Building pathways from juniors to elite in every domain (admin, leadership, officiating, coaching, playing, volunteering) is what had to be done. Hard work. Not the sugar coated garbage of the past 2 decades.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Thank you John.
John Mendoza
Roar Rookie
To clarify, my love of rugby predates the professional era by 20 yrs, but my involvement in elite sport, started at the time rugby went pro. I think too much emphasis is placed on the amateur v pro era. Most sport is amateur and yet great CEOs like John Boultbee attracted terrific talent to Australian Rowing where (the males at least) would have made a lot of cashola in pro football. It’s culture first second and third that builds sustained success. 100% agree on your point about the focus being on the sugar hits of buying a marque player from NRL and the like over the past 2 decades. Build the culture of the sport so that the it’s a no brainer for a young Mack Hansen or Payne Hass for them to see a far better future playing Australian rugby. A playing career longer, financially better and more interesting life experience (playing anywhere in the world). Create the pathways and forget about poaching from NRL or AFL. How many All Blacks are poached? I can think of 1 - and he was surplus to requirements.
Hughi
Roar Rookie
Great reading your insights you make a lot of sense. One area I think needs attention is women's rugby. It can't be left behind in how rugby is developed as the world cup has shown. They play great and I've watched the internationals in Europe and for entertainment value going ahead in leaps and bounds and women's sport, especially rugby in Australia deserves serious backing and development before they all go to soccer. Do you have any insights as to how AR is including them?
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
“ My concern is that he is not the right personality for our current crop of players, who look like they are lacking confidence, and are in need more of a Rod MacQueen style motivator. ” Well we’ve been tracking south culturally since Macca retired. With a couple of hopeful spikes with McKenzie and Rennie. What is it about Scottish surnames?
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
“ You can never ever be 100% confident that your answer is correct.” Well that attitude will never fly here.
John Mendoza
Roar Rookie
Start with what’s working - or at least working better than the rest. AThe Brumbies are the one positive in Aus Rugby. Also learn from history. What made Queensland so dominant for so long in 1970-mid 1990s. Success builds success.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
John, it is refreshing to have your insights here. Your experience seems to predate professionalism by twenty years? Personally, with a background in social science, I have seen Oz rugbys problems as most essentially ‘cultural’, and therefore immune to the financial and temporal remedies occasionally thrown at it. I, for one, would appreciate more input from you on the long term vacuums and remedies that you see.