As England retired to the sheds following final week’s 27-13 loss to South Africa at Twickenham, a refrain of boos and jeers echoed across the iconic stadium.
Asked concerning the crowd’s confronting response to the defeat, England’s sixth of the yr, head coach Eddie Jones bluntly claimed he “doesn’t care what people think”.
He had misplaced the fanbase, who had turn into dissatisfied with the on-field product. It was a industrial catastrophe, prompting whispers and rumblings that his days have been numbered.
England’s set-piece frailties have been obtrusive in the course of the Springboks’ defeat, with the hosts gifting penalties within the scrum and lineout.
An nameless panel was known as in to evaluation England’s Autumn marketing campaign, and in keeping with studies, these set-piece weaknesses obtained loads of consideration.
Jones had additionally reportedly alienated gamers together with his intense, and at instances overbearing teaching model, whereas his excessive turnover charge additionally got here below scrutiny — 112 people represented England in the course of the Jones reign, a recipe for confusion.
The ongoing rotation of help workers additionally introduced the workforce’s tradition into query.
On Monday native time, Jones was given a possibility to persuade a Rugby Football Union panel that he was nonetheless the best individual to guide England at subsequent yr’s World Cup
The evaluation assembly was reportedly a hit, however Jones was already a lifeless man strolling. Every week earlier, Jones’ media advisor had accused RFU chief govt Bill Sweeney of leaking tales to the press, describing the rugby boss as “slippery”.
Pembroke apologised, however the writing was on the wall.
On Tuesday morning, Sweeney knowledgeable Jones that he had been stood down as head coach of England. According to The Telegraph, Sweeney requested the Australian to interrupt the news to the enjoying group. Jones refused.
At round 10.15am that morning, Jones was seen leaving Rugby House and jogging in the direction of a black Mercedes.
Local reporters threw questions on the 62-year-old, however from the again seat. he pointed up in the direction of the workplace above him and exclaimed: “You’ll have to ask the RFU. You’ll have to ask the RFU.”
And he was gone.
The subsequent press launch acknowledged that Jones had been “dismissed” from his place. The Telegraph reported that the wording had been modified from “parted ways” upon Jones’ request.
He wished the general public to know his contract had been terminated.
It leaves England and not using a coach lower than 9 months out from the highly-anticipated Rugby World Cup in France, which will get underway in September.
Jones guided England to a World Cup ultimate in 2019, defeating the almighty All Blacks within the semi-final earlier than tripping on the ultimate hurdle, a 20-point loss to South Africa.
The former Wallabies mentor’s World Cup report is unrivalled, with a hit charge of 82 per cent within the event whereas teaching Australia, South Africa, Japan and England in 2003, 2007, 2015 and 2019 respectively.
Jones boasted a 73 per cent win charge as England coach over his seven-year reign, however the ultimate 12 months was bitterly disappointing for the Red and Whites, with six losses, 5 wins and a draw.
It was statistically England’s worst yr since 2008.
However, eliminating Jones nonetheless seems like a danger, regardless of the uninspiring model of rugby he had been peddling because the begin of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jones was engrossed by the World Cup — he turned fixated on acquiring the one accolade lacking from his trophy cupboard.
Embarrassing defeats have been dismissed in press conferences, whereas England’s fifth-place end within the Six Nations final yr was branded a minor setback.
The focus was Paris 2023.
By trying too far forward at World Cup glory, Jones ignored the problems at present plaguing England. He was distracted, with one eye at all times on the Webb Ellis Cup.
“He will be remembered for the misguided rhetoric and unfulfilled promises,” former England coach Sir Clive Woodward wrote in The Daily Mail.
“I don’t think history will remember this period of English rugby too kindly.”
Win charge of current England coaches
Sir Clive Woodward — 71 per cent
Andy Robinson — 41 per cent
Brian Ashton — 55 per cent
Martin Johnson — 53 per cent
Stuart Lancaster — 61 per cent
Eddie Jones — 73 per cent
Jones reportedly obtained an AU$1 million payout, with forwards coach Richard Cockerill taking cost on an interim foundation — however Steve Borthwick is anticipated to be introduced as the brand new England coach within the coming weeks.
“I am pleased with much that we have achieved as an England team and I look forward to watching the team’s performance in the future,” Jones stated in a press release.
“Many of the players and I will no doubt keep in touch and I wish them all well in their future careers.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
