Eddie Jones, the former head coach of England's rugby union team, has issued a firm defense of his successor Steve Borthwick, stating it would be "foolhardy" for the Rugby Football Union to dismiss him before the upcoming World Cup in Australia next year. Jones emphasized that Borthwick remains the right leader for the national squad and deserves unwavering support during this challenging period.
Jones' Strong Endorsement Amidst Six Nations Struggles
England's recent performance in the Six Nations tournament has sparked intense debate, with the team finishing a disappointing fifth place after a series of losses. This marked the first time England had been defeated in four matches during a single Six Nations campaign, including a historic loss to Italy. Despite this downturn, Jones highlighted Borthwick's overall record, noting England had previously achieved a streak of twelve consecutive victories.
Borthwick's Coaching Background and Achievements
Steve Borthwick, a former England captain who served as an assistant coach under Eddie Jones with both Japan and England, took over the head coaching role nine months prior to the 2023 World Cup. Under his guidance, England secured a third-place finish in France, demonstrating his capability on the international stage. Jones pointed to this success as evidence of Borthwick's qualifications and potential.
Jones' Critique of RFU Review Processes
In a candid discussion on his Rugby Unity podcast, the 66-year-old Jones, now in his second tenure as Japan's coach, expressed concerns about the RFU's evaluation methods. He stressed that any review of the Six Nations must be conducted by individuals with firsthand knowledge of Borthwick's work and an understanding of the team's selection and personnel issues. Jones recalled his own experience, describing a past review as a "waste of time" because his dismissal was already predetermined.
Call for Support and Rectification of Errors
Jones acknowledged that Borthwick may have made some mistakes during the tournament but argued that the RFU should assist him in addressing these issues rather than seeking a replacement. He referenced England's final Six Nations match, a high-scoring 48-46 loss to eventual champions France, as a sign of the team's offensive potential. Jones reiterated his belief that Borthwick is the correct choice to lead England forward and urged the union to provide the necessary backing to ensure success at the World Cup.
