Jones

[Tigersman]

What coach did not perform to their maximum capacity?

[Oakboy]

What coach did not perform to their maximum capacity?

No idea but something went downhill between SF and F.

[Scrumhead]

Yawn ... can you change the record at some point?

[fivepointer]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/ ... to-the-rfu

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/51796399

Anything to read into this. Jones getting fed up, the RFU looking for a change?

[Oakboy]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/ ... to-the-rfu

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/51796399

Anything to read into this. Jones getting fed up, the RFU looking for a change?

I suspect it is just the start of manoeuvres - a few items on the committee agenda. If there are disciplinary comebacks from his criticism of the ref, a few blazers might mutter into their G&Ts.

[jngf]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/ ... to-the-rfu

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/51796399

Anything to read into this. Jones getting fed up, the RFU looking for a change?

His heart doesn’t appear into it and I suspect he regrets not resigning the split second after the World Cup final whistle.

[Digby]

Whereas I suspect if Eddie wanted to resign he would

[Scrumhead]

Yeah - like him or not, I think he’s the kind of guy that would walk if he wanted to.

Sure it’s more lucrative to be sacked, but I genuinely think he cares more about winning than money.

[Banquo]

Yeah - like him or not, I think he’s the kind of guy that would walk if he wanted to.

Sure it’s more lucrative to be sacked, but I genuinely think he cares more about winning than money.

I'm getting mixed signals- he seems to genuinely relish the job, but sometimes his demeanour with the press- which is important- is that of someone who doesn't want to be there any more. I reckon he wants to win a world cup off his own back, and I think he thinks his only shot will be his current gig.

[Scrumhead]

I see him as a coach who gets the most from a situation where he feels he can help a side to achieve it’s potential.

He certainly did that with Japan (although huge credit to Joseph for building on a great foundation).

I don’t think we’re there yet and while I am of the mind that we perform under the level we should be capable of, he’s been a big part of most of best performances post 2003 and was one game away from winning the RWC.

You could argue he’d have similar opportunities to take Ireland behind the Quarter Finals or Wales to a final but I doubt either would be queuing up to fire him and he’s not that young.

[Banquo]

I see him as a coach who gets the most from a situation where he feels he can help a side to achieve it’s potential.

He certainly did that with Japan (although huge credit to Joseph for building on a great foundation).

I don’t think we’re there yet and while I am of the mind that we perform under the level we should be capable of, he’s been a big part of most of best performances post 2003 and was one game away from winning the RWC.

You could argue he’d have similar opportunities to take Ireland behind the Quarter Finals or Wales to a final but I doubt either would be queuing up to fire him and he’s not that young.

well quite, hence it being his last shot. I think he really wants to win it tho.

[Oakboy]

Does the RFU, based on our performances over a period, rate Jones so highly that they are not looking elsewhere? Or, are they looking at the field but can't find anyone better?

If the former, why has he not been signed up till 2023?

His utterences to the press have never been 100% believable so I doubt that his current mood and outpourings indicate that anything is different unless he wants a contract extension and hasn't been offered one perhaps.

[Mikey Brown]

I thought the idea was always that these two years following the RWC would allow him a smooth handover with his successor, but nobody has really shown they are ready to take it on.

[Oakboy]

I thought the idea was always that these two years following the RWC would allow him a smooth handover with his successor, but nobody has really shown they are ready to take it on.

They've all left (or will shortly) so there's nobody to succeed is there?

[Puja]

I thought the idea was always that these two years following the RWC would allow him a smooth handover with his successor, but nobody has really shown they are ready to take it on.

They've all left (or will shortly) so there's nobody to succeed is there?

Step forward John Mitchell...

Puja

[jngf]

I thought the idea was always that these two years following the RWC would allow him a smooth handover with his successor, but nobody has really shown they are ready to take it on.

They've all left (or will shortly) so there's nobody to succeed is there?

Step forward John Mitchell...

Puja

Brilliant the guy who played a large part in moving T Curry from 7 to 6 - think we are overdue a back as a head coach once more - at the very least somebody who can bring out the footballing skills of the forwards and backs more into England play (and inject a bit more style into it rather merely winning ugly)

[Digby]

We have footballing skills in the forwards like never before. Mako and Sincks are stupidly good on the skills front, Billy is excellent, Maro quickly improving and the others can all do a job, not all of them kick like Kruis but you can't have everything. Whether the backs have skills is an issue 'cause the team as a whole isn't trusted to play much rugby given current defences and officiating, and just because the skills in our forwards are the best they've been isn't in fairness reason not to seek improvement

[Timbo]

I think he wants to stay, he should stay and he will stay.

We’re just in a preamble phase so everyone gets the right deal.

[Mr Mwenda]

I also reckon he's just bored with the rugby press. They are pretty lame.

[jngf]

I think he wants to stay, he should stay and he will stay.

We’re just in a preamble phase so everyone gets the right deal.

I’m really not convinced he does, I certainly don’t think he should and who knows whether he will or not in the end?

[twitchy]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union ... n-writers/

[Puja]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union ... n-writers/



As England's tournament comes to a (hopefully temporary) close, and after three wins in four Six Nations matches, how close are they to fulfilling the lofty pre-tournament promise made by their head coach?
Eddie Jones said before the Six Nations he wanted to create the greatest team the world had ever seen. Is he on course?

Gavin Mairs: Jones’ grandiose mission statement came back to bite him when England lost so insipidly to France, but his side have since delivered formidable performances in the victories over Ireland and Wales, close to the best of their World Cup displays. Their set-piece is now world class, and the side is laced with power and backed by a precision in attack. But great teams play for 80 minutes.

Daniel Schofield: Not yet. A Triple Crown and possible title are not to be sniffed at, but Jones’ target of total dominance has only occurred sporadically. When the game is not played on their terms, as it was in the opening round defeat to France, then they are yet to prove they can adapt and think their way out of trouble.
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Mick Cleary: No, not by a long way. The fault is not theirs as they have played some very good rugby, hard-hitting as well as hard-nosed, as they showed against Ireland and also for long stretches against Wales. The problem lies in the daft, bombastic nature of the goal set. It smacks of arrogance and self-delusion.

Charlie Morgan: Probably not, but he could have at least four shoo-ins for a World XV by the time his (current) contract expires in 2021. That would be a decent foundation. His unconventional experiments – deploying Tom Curry at the base of the scrum, giving Ben Earl training time on the wing and developing Henry Slade as a stand-in full-back so he can use a six-two split of forwards on the bench – show Jones is thinking about future trends.
Which players stepped up for him and who didn't?

Mairs: Elliot Daly’s stock is the one that soared the most since his shaky performance in the World Cup final, but the star performances were all in the pack: Maro Itoje, Kyle Sinckler, Tom Curry, Courtney Lawes. George Furbank looks to have the potential to give Jones another full-back option, but he failed to seize his opportunity this time.
Jonny May, George Furbank and Elliot Daly of England pose with the Calcutta Cup after their victory during the 2020 Guinness Six Nations match between Scotland and England at Murrayfield

Schofield: Since the France game, Maro Itoje has been immense while George Ford, Courtney Lawes and Jonny May have all enjoyed impressive tournaments. A special word too for Tom Curry who has grown immeasurably at No 8 (he’s still an openside). Yet arguably England’s MVP award belongs to new forwards coach Matt Proudfoot who has transformed England’s scrum into a weapon of mass destruction.

Cleary: Several players have confirmed or even enhanced their reputations, from Daly at the rear, through the midfield where Manu Tuilagi (his red card excepting) has shown what a powerhouse asset he is, on to Ben Youngs at scrum-half who has defied all those who thought he was on the wane, and into the pack where Itoje has proved himself to be the game’s most all-encompassing player. Luke Cowan-Dickie from the bench continues to put pressure on Jamie George.

Morgan: Itoje was outstanding. Sam Underhill and Curry continue to shine. Others, such as Lawes, Sinckler and Youngs, recovered from poor games in Paris. George did not underperform, but Cowan-Dickie should be given a few starts to see what he can add.
Luke Cowan-Dickie, pitcured here with Jamie George
How is Owen Farrell doing, both as player and captain?

Mairs: Farrell’s leadership is maturing and his influence growing within the squad as last month’s ITV documentary into England’s World Cup campaign showed, although against Wales his competitive streak at times went beyond niggly. As a player his best position remains at fly-half, but England’s ability to field two 10s poses different questions of opposition defences.

Schofield: Like many, he had a horror show in Paris, potentially his worst performance in an England shirt. Since then he has rebounded but not quite to his previous heights. As a captain, he still struggles to build a rapport with referees and was penalised four times by Ben O’Keefe in the first 30 minutes against Wales.

Cleary: Farrell has stepped up to the mark as a leader as was shown in the way that he handled the high-profile head-to-head with dad, Andy, before and during the Ireland match. The mark of a captain lies in how others respond to you and in that regard Farrell obviously has the backing of his teammates. There is still something of an issue over his hot-headedness as seen when giving away a penalty that led to Wales’ first points on the board.
Ireland's head coach Andy Farrell watches his son England's centre Owen Farrell warm up ahead of the Six Nations international rugby union match between England and Ireland at the Twickenham

Morgan: Certainly not as a player. Despite a slew of handling errors against France, he produced unselfish and effective displays in wins over Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Jones does need to consider whether his captain’s manner is grating on referees, though. Even though he has been prone to injury and back-row competition is savage, Sam Underhill would be my choice.
What did you make of Eddie Jones’ performance, both in terms of selection and his public comments?

Mairs: England remain in contention to win their third Six Nations title in five years under Jones, and it is hard to argue with his assessment that his side are now surpassing their World Cup pomp. Yet off the field the head coach does not seem to be enjoying himself and his comments have reflected that.

Schofield: When others zig, Jones is determined to zag. With the choice of two highly promising No 8s in Alex Dombrandt and Sam Simmonds to replace the injured Billy Vunipola, Jones instead converted openside Tom Curry, in part just because he can. His public comments have been similarly unpredictable, but he crossed a line in questioning the impartiality of referee Ben O’Keefe, who made the correct call to send off Tuilagi.

Cleary: Jones’ prime responsibility is to win Test matches and his ledger reads pretty well with three victories from four games. It is baffling, however, why he stated that England were looking to peak at the end of the tournament, when two home matches and a trip to Rome were on the schedule, rather than at the beginning. As for his snarky persona and comments on the Tuilagi red card, they are crass and unbecoming.

Morgan: Jones has always been an astute tactician, especially with time to prepare for a familiar opponent, so it was no surprise that England were on the money at Twickenham. He has accepted blame for the performance in Paris, but one worry would be that Ireland and Wales were not killed off. Some public comments were tiresome, although there was definitely an over-reaction to his use of the word “brutal”.
Six Nations
Team P Pts
1 England 4 13
2 France 4 13
3 Scotland 4 10
4 Ireland 3 9
5 Wales 4 7
6 Italy 3 0
Does he deserve a new contract and are you more or less confident he is the man to take England to 2023?

Mairs: Any assessment based purely on results would suggest so. England are a formidable outfit, and well-coached. Matt Proudfoot’s addition to the coaching team has proven a success too. The biggest question is whether Jones’ heart is really in it. The mental strains of going again after a four-year World Cup campaign cannot be underestimated.

Schofield: If it was results alone then Jones’ case would be unarguable. The concern is over whether he wishes to remain in the post. His post-match admission that he does not enjoy coaching does not bode well nor does his determination to pick a fight with seemingly everyone who crosses his path. Ultimately, however, it is a results business, which means his contract should be extended.

Cleary: Jones has every right to be awarded a contract extension through to the 2023 Rugby World Cup but only he knows if he really wants to be involved. There is a sense of disenchantment about him, evidenced in his increasingly snappy behaviour or in his statement that he does not ‘enjoy’ coaching.

Morgan: More confident, on balance. The addition of Proudfoot has added impetus and fresh ideas. Two big question marks remain. How does Jones replace Steve Borthwick, a diligent lieutenant for so long with Japan and England, and does he have the energy for three more years?
What one change would you like to see Jones make, either on or off the pitch?

Mairs: Smile a bit more. When he is at his best, Jones is an engaging and witty character and significantly he has the respect of his players. But off the field it has been a pretty joyless campaign, with even selection explanations drying up. He would be wrong to think that the world is against him.

Schofield: Lighten up. If you are constantly starting fires then don’t be surprised if you get burnt from time to time. The constant paranoia and antagonism must be incredibly wearing for Jones as an individual. Identifying which scrum-half he wants to back up and replace Ben Youngs in the medium-to-long term is also a pressing priority.

Cleary: A reversion to the Eddie Jones we got to know when he took over in late 2015. Jones has always been abrasive but there was invariably a sense of mischief, of fun, underpinning what he said. That has changed. Interaction with the media has become a fractious, joyless experience. Of course there might be tension but not on such a sustained level. It does nothing for the image of the game.

Morgan: Although the opposition and weather conditions will be tougher, he should treat the Japan tour as he did the trip to Argentina in 2017. Three years ago, he brought a batch of rookies. A couple of them, Tom Curry and Sam Underhill, became World Cup stars. Joe Cokanasiga could have done as well. Scrum-half, fly-half, centre and tighthead prop are priority positions.

More evidence, if any way needed, that Morgan is the best rugby journalist out there.

Puja

[jngf]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union ... n-writers/



As England's tournament comes to a (hopefully temporary) close, and after three wins in four Six Nations matches, how close are they to fulfilling the lofty pre-tournament promise made by their head coach?
Eddie Jones said before the Six Nations he wanted to create the greatest team the world had ever seen. Is he on course?

Gavin Mairs: Jones’ grandiose mission statement came back to bite him when England lost so insipidly to France, but his side have since delivered formidable performances in the victories over Ireland and Wales, close to the best of their World Cup displays. Their set-piece is now world class, and the side is laced with power and backed by a precision in attack. But great teams play for 80 minutes.

Daniel Schofield: Not yet. A Triple Crown and possible title are not to be sniffed at, but Jones’ target of total dominance has only occurred sporadically. When the game is not played on their terms, as it was in the opening round defeat to France, then they are yet to prove they can adapt and think their way out of trouble.
Advertisement

Mick Cleary: No, not by a long way. The fault is not theirs as they have played some very good rugby, hard-hitting as well as hard-nosed, as they showed against Ireland and also for long stretches against Wales. The problem lies in the daft, bombastic nature of the goal set. It smacks of arrogance and self-delusion.

Charlie Morgan: Probably not, but he could have at least four shoo-ins for a World XV by the time his (current) contract expires in 2021. That would be a decent foundation. His unconventional experiments – deploying Tom Curry at the base of the scrum, giving Ben Earl training time on the wing and developing Henry Slade as a stand-in full-back so he can use a six-two split of forwards on the bench – show Jones is thinking about future trends.
Which players stepped up for him and who didn't?

Mairs: Elliot Daly’s stock is the one that soared the most since his shaky performance in the World Cup final, but the star performances were all in the pack: Maro Itoje, Kyle Sinckler, Tom Curry, Courtney Lawes. George Furbank looks to have the potential to give Jones another full-back option, but he failed to seize his opportunity this time.
Jonny May, George Furbank and Elliot Daly of England pose with the Calcutta Cup after their victory during the 2020 Guinness Six Nations match between Scotland and England at Murrayfield

Schofield: Since the France game, Maro Itoje has been immense while George Ford, Courtney Lawes and Jonny May have all enjoyed impressive tournaments. A special word too for Tom Curry who has grown immeasurably at No 8 (he’s still an openside). Yet arguably England’s MVP award belongs to new forwards coach Matt Proudfoot who has transformed England’s scrum into a weapon of mass destruction.

Cleary: Several players have confirmed or even enhanced their reputations, from Daly at the rear, through the midfield where Manu Tuilagi (his red card excepting) has shown what a powerhouse asset he is, on to Ben Youngs at scrum-half who has defied all those who thought he was on the wane, and into the pack where Itoje has proved himself to be the game’s most all-encompassing player. Luke Cowan-Dickie from the bench continues to put pressure on Jamie George.

Morgan: Itoje was outstanding. Sam Underhill and Curry continue to shine. Others, such as Lawes, Sinckler and Youngs, recovered from poor games in Paris. George did not underperform, but Cowan-Dickie should be given a few starts to see what he can add.
Luke Cowan-Dickie, pitcured here with Jamie George
How is Owen Farrell doing, both as player and captain?

Mairs: Farrell’s leadership is maturing and his influence growing within the squad as last month’s ITV documentary into England’s World Cup campaign showed, although against Wales his competitive streak at times went beyond niggly. As a player his best position remains at fly-half, but England’s ability to field two 10s poses different questions of opposition defences.

Schofield: Like many, he had a horror show in Paris, potentially his worst performance in an England shirt. Since then he has rebounded but not quite to his previous heights. As a captain, he still struggles to build a rapport with referees and was penalised four times by Ben O’Keefe in the first 30 minutes against Wales.

Cleary: Farrell has stepped up to the mark as a leader as was shown in the way that he handled the high-profile head-to-head with dad, Andy, before and during the Ireland match. The mark of a captain lies in how others respond to you and in that regard Farrell obviously has the backing of his teammates. There is still something of an issue over his hot-headedness as seen when giving away a penalty that led to Wales’ first points on the board.
Ireland's head coach Andy Farrell watches his son England's centre Owen Farrell warm up ahead of the Six Nations international rugby union match between England and Ireland at the Twickenham

Morgan: Certainly not as a player. Despite a slew of handling errors against France, he produced unselfish and effective displays in wins over Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Jones does need to consider whether his captain’s manner is grating on referees, though. Even though he has been prone to injury and back-row competition is savage, Sam Underhill would be my choice.
What did you make of Eddie Jones’ performance, both in terms of selection and his public comments?

Mairs: England remain in contention to win their third Six Nations title in five years under Jones, and it is hard to argue with his assessment that his side are now surpassing their World Cup pomp. Yet off the field the head coach does not seem to be enjoying himself and his comments have reflected that.

Schofield: When others zig, Jones is determined to zag. With the choice of two highly promising No 8s in Alex Dombrandt and Sam Simmonds to replace the injured Billy Vunipola, Jones instead converted openside Tom Curry, in part just because he can. His public comments have been similarly unpredictable, but he crossed a line in questioning the impartiality of referee Ben O’Keefe, who made the correct call to send off Tuilagi.

Cleary: Jones’ prime responsibility is to win Test matches and his ledger reads pretty well with three victories from four games. It is baffling, however, why he stated that England were looking to peak at the end of the tournament, when two home matches and a trip to Rome were on the schedule, rather than at the beginning. As for his snarky persona and comments on the Tuilagi red card, they are crass and unbecoming.

Morgan: Jones has always been an astute tactician, especially with time to prepare for a familiar opponent, so it was no surprise that England were on the money at Twickenham. He has accepted blame for the performance in Paris, but one worry would be that Ireland and Wales were not killed off. Some public comments were tiresome, although there was definitely an over-reaction to his use of the word “brutal”.
Six Nations
Team P Pts
1 England 4 13
2 France 4 13
3 Scotland 4 10
4 Ireland 3 9
5 Wales 4 7
6 Italy 3 0
Does he deserve a new contract and are you more or less confident he is the man to take England to 2023?

Mairs: Any assessment based purely on results would suggest so. England are a formidable outfit, and well-coached. Matt Proudfoot’s addition to the coaching team has proven a success too. The biggest question is whether Jones’ heart is really in it. The mental strains of going again after a four-year World Cup campaign cannot be underestimated.

Schofield: If it was results alone then Jones’ case would be unarguable. The concern is over whether he wishes to remain in the post. His post-match admission that he does not enjoy coaching does not bode well nor does his determination to pick a fight with seemingly everyone who crosses his path. Ultimately, however, it is a results business, which means his contract should be extended.

Cleary: Jones has every right to be awarded a contract extension through to the 2023 Rugby World Cup but only he knows if he really wants to be involved. There is a sense of disenchantment about him, evidenced in his increasingly snappy behaviour or in his statement that he does not ‘enjoy’ coaching.

Morgan: More confident, on balance. The addition of Proudfoot has added impetus and fresh ideas. Two big question marks remain. How does Jones replace Steve Borthwick, a diligent lieutenant for so long with Japan and England, and does he have the energy for three more years?
What one change would you like to see Jones make, either on or off the pitch?

Mairs: Smile a bit more. When he is at his best, Jones is an engaging and witty character and significantly he has the respect of his players. But off the field it has been a pretty joyless campaign, with even selection explanations drying up. He would be wrong to think that the world is against him.

Schofield: Lighten up. If you are constantly starting fires then don’t be surprised if you get burnt from time to time. The constant paranoia and antagonism must be incredibly wearing for Jones as an individual. Identifying which scrum-half he wants to back up and replace Ben Youngs in the medium-to-long term is also a pressing priority.

Cleary: A reversion to the Eddie Jones we got to know when he took over in late 2015. Jones has always been abrasive but there was invariably a sense of mischief, of fun, underpinning what he said. That has changed. Interaction with the media has become a fractious, joyless experience. Of course there might be tension but not on such a sustained level. It does nothing for the image of the game.

Morgan: Although the opposition and weather conditions will be tougher, he should treat the Japan tour as he did the trip to Argentina in 2017. Three years ago, he brought a batch of rookies. A couple of them, Tom Curry and Sam Underhill, became World Cup stars. Joe Cokanasiga could have done as well. Scrum-half, fly-half, centre and tighthead prop are priority positions.

More evidence, if any way needed, that Morgan is the best rugby journalist out there.

Puja

Schofield’s comment about Curry growing immeasurably as a no.8 brought a chuckle to me - are we talking from nanoscale to milliscale for a very, very low bar

[Timbo]

No.

[twitchy]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union ... g-england/