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.
Guess
Roar Rookie
Then aru is too corrupt and beyond repair. Hope it's not
jeznez
Roar Guru
I know. I’m just hoping. With NSW handing over control and Melbourne looking like they’ll follow that is very likely 5 votes to McLennan. That’s all he needs even if everyone else votes for him to go.
Guess
Roar Rookie
I’m aware of it, that’s why what McLennan did was stupid and they are now facing the costs and consequences of his stupidity. But the costs of keeping jones and inept chaiman will be bigger. That’s what we’re saying. People like Eddie and McLennan have no dignity to resign on their own
Ruckin' Oaf
Roar Rookie
I was referring to the WALLABY coaching job only. Rightio that would be the team that hired Jones. Jones did give assurances that he was up to the job, the "smash and grab" plan. But I don't reckon the results he's achieved at this RWC area in line with any reasonable expectation.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Cec I think enough pie has been consumed. The health has to be a concern after than much. Its up to RA now and if they dont get rid of Hamish and Eddie I dont see much light for some time to come. The Wallabies are way better than the WC results but there is definately some major changes that are required. We need some adults at the table and Im not sure RA has that atm. Promoting of the game is non existant and fiscal responsibility is out the window sadly.
Cec
Roar Rookie
I’d be okay with this outcome to keep Eddie but only if his scope is limited to just coaching and no media. Plus have him report to a Director of Rugby and co-selectors. Eddie has to win back some trust first.
Cec
Roar Rookie
I hear what you’re saying Jacko and it’s sad. It has to be the Aussie way above success from ’outsiders’. Perhaps more humble pie needs to be served to change biases.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Yes agree he got to see his contract out but you would be dreaming if you thought he was treated with respect here in Aus.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Can't wait for his next barbershop update. Get those locks trimmed and let us know about his next breakfast. Players? Who are they?
jeznez
Roar Guru
The word going around is that EJ's on 1m a year, RA have 800k in the bank and Hamish already wants to blow the debt out to 90m in order to keep the lights on. With the contractual payments to Rennie, the cost to replace assistants and the missed 2m for the semi's this is likely already cost us around 4m in overspend/missed earnings. Add an extra 4m on to pay EJ out early and that's equivalent to what NZR paid us last year. McLennan and Jones both need to go but we need them to resign as the states don't look like they'll take responsibility and vote McLennan out and we can't afford to pay EJ.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Penney a better example than Deans. Robbie got to see out his contract. However just like Cheika, at the end of his contract, he wanted to renew but RA didn't. For me that's fair play. Unlike how Penney and Rennie were treated, which was absolutely not on.
jeznez
Roar Guru
If media is his go, let's have him replace the Marketing Pigeon - just keep him away from the team!
jeznez
Roar Guru
Greg Smith's 63.16% winning record is better than Eddie's 57.89% And the way Eddie is coaching, the gap will widen.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Yes I know he isnt. Thats irrelevant. Aus rugby would treat him like dirt if he didnt get results in 5 weeks like they treat other NZers involved in the past. Id strongly advise JS against any role in Aus rugby.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
heard such promises before. Before Deans, Before Rennie, Didnt believe it then, dont believe it now
Rocky's Rules
Roar Rookie
@Ruckin Oaf I was referring to the WALLABY coaching job only. Different story elsewhere. Plus, I think it was also unlikely a Rennie coached WB team would have made a QF either. Same outcome if it was a Borthwick coached team or a God coached team. And what's the point of blaming Jones when he had only 8 months real time to significantly improve the squad. Clearly he failed but the biggest failure was RA in swapping coaches in a RWC year.
Val
Roar Rookie
Is Eddie the right person to lead the Wallabies? Perhaps the question should be how good a coach is Eddie these days? What have his teams actually won? He won a Grand Slam with England who just happened to be at the time the country with the most professional players and the most wealthy! And didn't that turn over the last three years to where he was sacked for poor results!! Is he still living on the glory of Japan beating South Africa and England beating NZ in a RWC semi-final (England then got really touched up in the final) My thoughts are that Eddie's time as a world leading coach has passed him by as shown by the fact that (not that the Wallabies lost) but he gave them no clear plan on how to win. No clear plan also showed in selection which chopped and changed every game because no-one had any idea of the strengths they were looking for. Planning for 2027 was just bu-----t. In a contact sport like rugby this is so hard to do. I must say that I want my teams to win today and not tomorrow, especially if I am spending hard earned on supporting them!!!
inyo52959178
Roar Rookie
They should sack all those that were responsible for appointing him..cheaper option. Keep him around as an example of how things shouldn't be done. A complete and utter shambles.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
He never did and still isn't! :shocked:
Ruckin' Oaf
Roar Rookie
Bring back Knuckles ;)