‘Reasonable’ Jones defends England methods amid new criticism

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Issued: 10/31/2021 – 21:34

England coach Eddie Jones said on Sunday he was a “reasonable person” after the veteran Australian boss’s high turnover in backstage was questioned.

An article in The Times on Friday cited anonymous accounts from players and former coaches describing Jones as a stern taskmaster presiding over a joyless regime.

Jones took control of England after their embarrassing exit from the home group stage at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, guiding them to the final in Japan two years ago, where they were well beaten by South Africa.

The very experienced Jones is hired to lead England to the 2023 World Cup in France.

Questions about his methods, however, resurfaced after England’s record fifth place finish at this year’s Six Nations.

The departure of former All Blacks head coach John Mitchell means England are now working with their third defense coach in six years at the helm of Jones, while the four years leading up to the 2019 World Cup have seen England use five different sports psychologists.

“Everyone has an opinion on how you operate. I can’t say it’s right or wrong, I’m trying to be a reasonable person,” Jones told BT Sport.

“I coached for a good amount of time and there were probably times when I wasn’t as nice as I would like. But I try to be fair all the time and I’m happy to. know where this team is going to go.

“The only thing you can do is respond and the only way we’ll respond is play good rugby, which is what we intend to do.”

“Brutal” was a word used to describe Jones’ treatment of staff, but the 61-year-old Australia coach when he lost the 2003 World Cup final to England, replied: “I think the fact that I have been a coach for that period of time would indicate that this is not the truth.

“Has staff turnover been high? There has been a turnover in some areas where we have sought to refresh staff.

“This is my sixth year in the job and you would expect this from your support staff. I think we have a very good staff here and we appreciate their hard work.”

Jones has selected a new squad for next month’s Fall Nations Series games against Tonga, Australia and South Africa in Twickenham, with 77-time opening half George Ford dropped. in favor of Marcus Smith.

Rising Star – England opener Marcus Smith DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS AFP / File

Jones confirmed on Sunday that the 22-year-old Harlequins playmaker will take part in the November campaign at the opening, with England captain Owen Farrell inside the center.

Jones called Ford a “good player,” however, adding: “I think we have to get a lot more aggressive early on when we get the ball back and we can’t wait to see what Marcus and Owen can do together.”

Meanwhile, Jones, not known for praising players, has referred to Tom Curry as “someone who has done remarkably well” for England and even suggested that the back line could emulate a great of all. time.

“He came in as a very strong defensive player, but I think he can really improve his attacking game now, as (former New Zealand captain) Richie McCaw did,” Jones said.

“There is no limit to where his game can go.”

© 2021 AFP

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