Jones’s stock rose to unprecedented levels after he led traditional lightweights Japan to a stunning upset of former world champions South Africa at the recent Rugby World Cup. The upcoming Six Nations tournament in February should give us an idea as to whether the next for years are going to be brilliant, or a disaster for English rugby.
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Not everyone would be impressed if Jones took the job, however.
He was also a technical advisor for the 2007 World Cup winning Springboks.
“I like Eddie a lot but who is developing the next English coach?”
But it’s hard to shake the feeling that the game’s great underachievers are more of a threat now with fast Eddie pulling the strings than they were under Lancaster.
“I’ve watched a couple of his games since the World Cup and, like all the players, they are starting from zero”.
However, England’s first ever foreign coach seems content to continue selecting home-based players only. “That is one of my dreams”, Jones said.
“That’s about identifying our strengths and keep improving on them, and identifying areas where we need to develop a competitive edge”.
While Lancaster stepped down last week, the Cumbrian’s lieutenants Andy Farrell, Graham Rowntree and Mike Catt have remained in place.
Jones, whose CV also includes a spell with Saracens, must finalise the identity of his assistants with Bristol forwards coach Steve Borthwick expected to join him.
Yet Jones insists nothing will be decided until he has settled into his role and spoken with all coaches.
“I was coaching the North when the game went professional, and nearly immediately the counties and divisions disappeared and the Premiership was born. We want the All Blacks to be watching how England play – that would be nice, wouldn’t it?”
When pressed for further details, Jones added: “I don’t know until I’ve talked to them and when I’ve talked to them I’ll know”.
Ritchie had said England wanted someone with “proven global experience” and Jones is one of the few elite coaches in world rugby who comfortably fits the bill.
“Everyone wants to have their own nationalities as a head coach and I understand that”.
When asked if a sensitive approach was needed with Robshaw, who was heavily criticised for refusing a late shot at goal against Wales that would have secured a crucial draw in September’s World Cup showdown at Twickenham, Jones said: “Chris has got a nice café in Winchester”.
“We are grateful to the Stormers for their cooperation in releasing Eddie early from his contract”, Ritchie said.
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“I have already had contact from some big-name coaches and I will, once again, look both internally and externally before continuing to plot the way ahead for Western Province Rugby and the Stormers”, Smal said on Friday.
