Saluting rugby’s bolshy new king

a4225137fed06a033a5ee27fb367511f

It’s fair to say that Eddie Jones has come a long way from his playing days at Randwick.

Don’t be surprised if Eddie Jones is soon handed the keys to Buckingham Palace.

What Jones has engineered with England – turning the creaking ship around in mere months – confirms his status as one of the grandees of world rugby. Only Steve Hansen can rival him for savvy, although Hansen’s job with the gifted All Blacks is one my grandmother could do.

Jones never considered a settling-in period at Twickenham. He came in, shook things up and produced results instantly.

South Africans know all about Jones. He first attracted attention when he reconstructed the Brumbies, coaching them to a debut Super Rugby title in 2001 – the first non-New Zealand team to do so. Attack was his mantra and the Brumbies played extravagant rugby that was enthusiastically received.

He then had stints with the Reds and the Wallabies before his old pal Jake White rang him asking for help during the 2007 World Cup. Jones was then installed as technical advisor with the petty caveat that he would not be awarded a Springbok blazer.

With pressure mounting in the week of the World Cup final, Jones took it upon himself to calm things. The players warmed to him and days later John Smit hoisted the Webb Ellis Cup on a memorable Paris night.

To a man, the players enjoyed Jones’ input, for he often took a left-field view and challenged their dogma. He got them out of their comfort zones.

Months later, I found myself in a car with Jones, driving from Saracens’ dingy north London office into the city. We had a fascinating talk about events at the World Cup and what I recall was how much he had enjoyed the experience. He spoke of the Springboks’ excellent work ethic, mentioning too the single player who had disappointed him.

Despite winning the series with England in Australia, Jones’ greatest moment came at last year’s World Cup when he coached rank outsiders Japan to a defeat of the Boks. There has never been a bigger upset in rugby history.

‘Those 80 minutes [against SA] vividly demonstrated Jones’ ability for shrewdness, cunning and tactical excellence’

Those 80 minutes vividly demonstrated Jones’ ability for shrewdness, cunning and tactical excellence. This is on top of his quick wit, which is always biting and effective.

The Stormers shemozzle then followed with Jones flying in, signing and then promptly having a re-think after England came calling. It left a bitter taste, but who could really blame him?

England were desperate. He could name his price.

Jones is known to have been shocked by the lack of skills when he arrived, but he quickly got to work. His approach was brutal and he was intolerant of players who didn’t commit.

Further showing his intent, he had a clean out of coaching staff, bringing in Steve Borthwick, who had done outstanding work with Japan, and defensive wizard Paul Gustard. He also signed Neal Hatley, the Bulawayo expat who had played prop for Natal and Western Province. With more English Premiership caps than anyone, Hatley knows his way around a scrum.

There were other astute appointments, like making serial biter Dylan Hartley his captain. Hartley was the bad boy of English rugby, but he was aggressive, pugnacious and offered the sort of mongrel Jones wanted from England. It was high-risk, but it was Hartley who was spotted lifting the Cook Cup in Sydney on Saturday.

Jones never chucked out Stuart Lancaster’s squad en masse. Instead, he worked hard at getting the best out of them. Former captain Chris Robshaw was retreaded as a blindside flanker and produced the goods heroically.

Even an honest player like James Haskell, a donkey at heart, played like a thoroughbred at openside.

Maro Itoje, the 21-year-old lock, was thrown in and for my money was among England’s best.

Jones also got England’s heads right. They were always a physical side, but that edge has sharpened. England were snarling, baying, always looking to assert their physical dominance. And Australia shirked, unable to absorb the pressure.

Jones has enjoyed a charmed ride and knows there will be tougher tests ahead. South Africa, whom England haven’t beaten in 10 years, await year-end, although sadly there is no looming Test against the All Blacks.

England’s renaissance has confirmed the majesty of Jones’ coaching. Pass the keys to the palace. – © Sunday Tribune