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Well, here we are. The Wallabies made no quarter final showing in the World Cup, are 10th in the world, and could only muster two wins all year.
Most Australian rugby fans are looking at Rugby Australia with hard askance, wondering, to quote the Rolling Stones in “Angie”, “where will it lead us from here?”
First, let’s look at Eddie Jones. After this disaster, he should offer his resignation. Not only do the results he has failed to deliver make his position untenable, the whole Japan thing, true or not, will forever be lurking in the background. He is currently the butt of jokes around the world, and would appear to have all the credibility of a used car salesman.
Don’t get me wrong. Initially, I was on the Eddie train because I could see his much-needed long-term vision. But he has failed by just about any and every measure. I must admit, I cannot conceive who I’d replace him with, but, for Eddie, the phrase is “it’s time to go”.
Perhaps a panel comprised of Rod Macqueen, John Connolly, and, if he was willing, Steve Hansen, could find the best candidate, although RA would obviously have to negotiate the contract. Once employed, the panel could work with the coach to identify the best options for assistants.
Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images for Rugby Australia)
Which brings us to unity across the code. There have been many calls for an end to the politics between states, pulling together, and moving to a centralised model. This is unquestionably necessary, but there is an inherent problem, and that problem has a name: Hamish McLennan.
He’s divisive and a lot of people don’t trust him. That is hardly helpful when trying to bring everyone together. Further, on the assumption that Australia is seeking a new coach, how secure would a candidate feel given the treatment of Dave Rennie? For those two reasons alone, let alone his role in this current fiasco, he’s got to go. That then brings us to replacements for him.
In an ideal world, given the circumstances, the best option would be John Eales. No-one could deny his commitment to rugby. He’s a great leader, and showed many times that he knows how to rally the troops. And who’s going to gainsay him? The respect that the man carries could dramatically change the tone and direction of the negotiations of any centralisation of programs and admin.
Now, while I view John Eales as the ideal candidate, he’s probably got other commitments, so that option may not exist. There are others, but I think that someone in that mould is needed.
Apparently, there will be an independent review about the disaster at the World Cup. I have little faith in it; reviews and surveys are rarely commissioned without the outcome being already known, and I doubt it will recommend offloading the coaching team and McLennan. If so, sadly, it’ll be no surprise, and only prove the old adage ‘a fish rots from the head’.
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.