Dramatic news coming out of Australia overnight sees Eddie Jones take over the head coach role for the Wallabies, with Dave Rennie being relieved of his duties.
The decision comes at quite a surprise, with Rennie claiming there had been no discussions for Jones’ return only a few weeks ago.
“Brave” decision
However, with the World Cup approaching rapidly, it is a bold decision by Rugby Australia that has the rugby fraternity talking.
Wallabies legend Tim Horan believes it is a “risk” to bring Jones into the hot seat but one worth taking given the side’s poor win ratio under Rennie.
“Eddie Jones as new Wallabies coach … brave and has some risk,” Horan tweeted.
“But maybe a risk worth taking considering the Wallabies current win/loss ratio.
“We need a Bledisloe Cup within two years and RWC semi and Lions win to justify the decision.
“Strap yourself in for the ride.”
🚨 BREAKING: Dave Rennie sacked as Wallabies boss with former head coach Eddie Jones returning! pic.twitter.com/XHuhIpN3z6
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) January 15, 2023
Another Wallabies legend Matt Giteau claims he feels for Rennie but backs Jones to be able to turn the situation around quickly. However, much like Horan, Giteau believes it could be a wake-up call for the players.
“I feel for Rennie but at the same time if anyone can turn things around quickly it’s Eddie,” former Wallabies five-eighth Giteau tweeted.
“Some of the boys won’t know what’s hit them.”
Elsewhere, rugby scribe and analyst Paul Williams took to Twitter to underline his confusion with the situation that seemed to develop out of nowhere.
“I can’t quite get my head around Eddie Jones being the new Wallabies’ coach,” Williams tweeted.
Will it backfire?
It will not be Jones’ first stint in the Wallabies hot seat, having led the Australians to the 2003 Rugby World Cup final during his initial tenure.
Journalist Jack Colwill wonders if Rugby Australia will regret their decision post-World Cup.
“Feels very much like Rugby Australia has drunk dialled its toxic ex tonight,” Colwill tweeted.
“I can’t help but wonder, when it rolls over in the cold light of the post-World Cup morning and sees Eddie Jones, whether it will still think it was such a smashing idea.”
Meanwhile, commentator Nick Mullins pointed out how close the Jones announcement from the Wallabies camp is to Steve Borthwick naming his first England squad after the Jones era with the Red Rose.
“Hang on…Eddie Jones has just taken over as Australia coach? If it hadn’t been so inevitable it’d be ridiculous. And all this a few hours before Steve Borthwick names his first England squad. Stay tuned…,” Mullins tweeted.
The return of Jones is a fascinating turn of events in rugby union that only makes for a more intriguing World Cup later this year. The former England coach does not have much time to get the Wallabies back on track, but if anyone can do it, Jones probably can.
READ MORE: Wallabies: Eddie Jones appointed new head coach on five-year deal after Rugby Australia sack Dave Rennie
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