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Rugby fans and ex-Test stand-offs unite over Eddie Jones punditry
By Ian Cameron
Eddie Jones’ return to the Six Nations spotlight as an ITV pundit for England’s clash with France drew fairly unanimous negative reaction from rugby fans and at least two former Test fly-halves.
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England edged France 26-25 to revive their Six Nations title hopes in a nerve-shredding encounter at Allianz Stadium,. Despite going behind to two Louis Bielle-Biarrey tries, Ollie Lawrence, Tommy Freeman and Fin Baxter each crossed for England – with Fin Smith orchestrating play from fly-half.
France also touched down through Damian Penaud, but Elliot Daly’s last-minute converted try secured a dramatic home victory, ending a run of seven straight defeats against top-tier opposition.
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“[England] are on the threshold of being a really good team but what they’ve got to take the learnings from today,” Jones told his ITV colleagues after the epic win. “Keep being aggressive – keep attacking!”
Few appreciated Jones’ newfound role as a pundit though.
Former England centre Will Carling wrote: “Thought Eddie Jones would be far more interesting as a pundit”
Fellow former England ten Andy Goode concurred, writing: “Eddie Jones being Eddie Jones on ITV what a [helmet emoji].”
Another former Test standoff. ex-Wales’ flyhalf Lee Jarvis stated: “Eddie Jones may be a good coach, BUT as a pundit, absolutely awful. His short answers, together with no personality when he speaks, is depressing.”
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Rugby fans were in agreement. Many had hoped for a hard-hitting, no-nonsense approach from Jones, reminiscent of Roy Keane’s football commentary, but social media reactions suggested a mixed reception at best, with some disappointed with the Australian’s relatively subdued take on events.
One punter wrote: “I think one thing we can all probably agree on is that Eddie Jones is a rubbish pitchside pundit!,” while another chimed in: “Thought we would’ve had more controversy! Would’ve seen the money spent better sticking him on the Masked Singer.”
“Does Eddie Jones ever have an original insight? I mean just one maybe?,” wrote another unhappy viewer, while another posted: “Eddie Jones is a waste of space – he adds nothing to your coverage & in fact detracts from it. He was a terrible manager & is a terrible pundit.”
Multiple accounts rather unkindly likened the former Japan head coach’s outfit to that of a garden gnome.
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I dont understand the negativity around Eddie Jones time with England.
He guided the team to a World Cup final.
Under him England also had 18 back to back international wins. This is only equaled by the all blacks.
Sounds like a pretty good record to me.
He had a great record, in the 6N too and England hasn't won it since he left. The point of this article is about his punditry.
Ho hum, another non-article on a totally unimportant topic!
Gnome. Hahaha
It goes to show that neither the rugby channel bosses or the media understands that this turkey (Eddy Jones) has a clue about coaching or the modern game. He’s failed at any real level and the other turkeys, like the know -nothing idiots who put a soccer ‘pundit’ who only thinks that sound bites are all he needs to be smart and knowledgeable.
Why aren’t they looking at modern day players to comment like Maggie Alphonsi to do the job she qualified to do and good at.
In short the public doesn’t get it because it’s not soccer and those idiots don’t know the game either. STOP pandering to the mindless and utilise the mindful.
Alan Darby
Not only is this plain false, you seem to fail to understand the main role of a media pundit. They're primarily selected for their media personality, and Eddie Jones being a controversial figure, brings with him a number of viewers from both ends of the spectrum. Those who like him, and those who dislike. You going on some rant right now is exactly the kind of conversation the network is banking on, so congrats ig? You are one of those "mindless" you so surely detest.