That said, the fact that he completes the set of Home Unions foreign coaches says much about the coaching system within those countries. As much as players need to achieve the levels of skill shown by their southern hemisphere counterparts, the same can be said of coaches. What is needed is a clear and consistent pathway for development and promotion of domestic coaches.
Eddie Jones created a good impression on his first day as England's head coach
A defined succession plan must fulfil ensure the success of Jones’ stated aim to leave two coaches who are ready to take over when he leaves. Whether any of the coaches in situ remain is unclear and the likes of Steve , Shaun Edwards and Paul Gustard must be in the frame. Whatever combination is picked if there is not to be a ‘shadow’ assistant to Jones, one of those of those men should be identified as a potential successor.
Jones has experience of the Premiership through his time at Saracens but whether he can align the interests of his team with those of the clubs, as they are presently operating, is uncertain. By persuasion or coercion he has to get cooperation from the Premiership if his efforts are not to be undermined.
Paul Gustard must be in the frame to join Jones' back-room team
When you look at what Jones was able to achieve with Japan you can seen certain skill levels and disciplines that were mandatory. Capability and accuracy at the breakdown was a hall mark of all his players. His recent comments about the scrum come from his personal knowledge as a very decent hooker in his time and were proven by the Japanese pack. “To play an attacking game we need to dominate set piece and be smart using the ball. Japan used quick channel ball in the World Cup and it’s something England can do. I’m sure the hookers in England can strike. If they can’t strike they’re going to have to learn to strike.”
Jones’ aim of developing a flexible style of play will require some players and clubs to change. His
England's new head coach Eddie Jones is an intense, extremely demanding workaholic
Can he persuade Richard Cockerill and Rob Baxter to abandon their hitherto expressed views that striking the ball is actually dangerous? Will he be able to alter the prevalent mindset that scrums are for forcing penalties, not attacking the opposition when there is guaranteed space and opportunity?
How will he vary the too often seen lust for contact rather than space? You could go on but the point remains the same.
Will Jones bring in Steve Borthwick?
There is some merit in stating that all players start from the same place with Jones but he cannot ignore previous experience and contribution completely. The core of the squad identified by Stuart Lancaster has talent but Jones needs to identify the players around which he will build the team to challenge for the next world up. He can augment that nucleus with nascent talent but key decision makers and leaders have to be very experienced when they go to Japan. The statistic that world cup winning sides have well in excess of 600 caps in their starting XV remains immutable.
• Jones gives Cipriani a lifeline
Much has been written about a new captain and Jones should eschew the English cult of reverence that overstates the importance of the captain, making him solely responsible for wins and losses. The truth is that if you have enough experience and decision-makers several players can captain a side. Jones should adopt the policy of picking the best starting XV and appointing a captain therefrom. We could then avoid the unwarranted pressure that comes from selecting a captain who is out of form or, heaven forefend, the apocalyptic act of having to drop him.
• Jones must pick his assistants wisely
It has been said that we will get a combination of angel and devil with Jones and that doesn’t matter. Whether he uses conformation or cooperation the outcome has to be that he gets what he wants. It is becoming clear to me that Stuart Lancaster compromised or was unable to prevail on some decisions. Jones’ character does not suggest that he will accept this and he should not.
Jones was appointed England head coach on Friday
For those who contend he has already compromised in accepting the RFU rule against picking players who play abroad that is not inconsistent. He, like many of us, sees this as a question of a player’s commitment and priorities. If the RFU adopted the Australian rule of enabling selection after 60 caps then I am sure he, I and others would not demur. Importantly, that would not include any player currently playing overseas.
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