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Opinion
I was a fan of Eddie Jones, then hated him, the nloved Eddie again, then loved him more for coming back to help Australian rugby.
All great headlines over the course of 25-plus years of coaching.
Eddie brings publicity, that’s well known.
For a code that is regressing at the professional level, but thriving at amateur, and globally going from strength to strength professionally, the fit seemed right.
Eddie backing a youth policy was supported at the beginning, but to not utilise that during The Rugby Championship and then literally abandoning experience was ridiculous.
Quade Cooper and Pete Samu were clear examples, with Michael Hooper a 50/50 after “perhaps” not hitting the highs that he previously played at.
Firstly, Jones should stay on and RA should back him.
It’s a simple decision, RA can’t afford to get rid of him and Eddie would be labelled the greatest villain of world sport, if he came in and literally threw 22 inexperienced players in a World Cup, stating “the other players couldn’t do it,” and leave under three months later. It would be akin to throw kindling near a burning campfire in the middle of a forest and leaving the camp site.
Eddie wants to help Australian rugby. That is clear.
All rugby supporters are sick of being a side column next to club soccer on the back pages and Eddie understands that.
There are two key issues that bother all of us.
1. Eddie has stated publicly, twice, that he was only doing this World Cup.
I understand results didn’t go out way and that the “youth policy” clearly failed, but was his intention to come in and literally rip the game apart and leave?
2. Eddie stayed at the Stormers, similar words.
He resigned and took on the English job with immediate success and it almost culminated in a World Cup victory. His second runners up (plus an additional win as an assistant, after a late call-up).
Is Eddie really invested? That is the key question.
Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones speaks to the media during a Rugby Australia press conference at Coogee Oval on October 17, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Is he chasing money or is he honestly trying to change Australian rugby for the future?
If he is, another four years is awesome. He will create publicity and get the game on the second-last page instead of the fifth.
If he is not, Eddie must go now – there is no payout. Quite simply, RA can’t afford it and he will only pour more fire, not only burning the forest down but the entire city or country.
Can we take Eddie at his word? No based on past experience.
Does Eddie want to help Australian rugby? Yes based on his responses.
Will Eddie help media content for Australian rugby? Yes.
Will Eddie’s media coverage be positive and negative? Yes.
Is there another coaching option? No, although Stephen Larkham I wouldn’t mind down the track.
Can Eddie be a conduit between the fractured nature between club, state, Super and international rugby? A resounding yes.
Eddie, stop with the politics, which you said you aren’t into, and just go all in.
RA, do the same: back it, stop changing and move forward. It’s standard business.
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.