In 2015, Stuart Lancaster’s England suffered a shock exit in the group stages of their home World Cup, much to the disappointment of fans across the country.
Somebody needed to pay the price for England’s mishaps and Lancaster lost his job. Eddie Jones was appointed as the new England boss after Japan’s impressive effort at the tournament and most fans have been very impressed with the Australian’s effective albeit unique approach.
Jones’ unorthodox attitude, both on and off the pitch, has helped to ease the pressure on some of England’s brightest stars, including Owen Farrell and captain Dylan Hartley.
He has no qualms in taking responsibility and attention away from his side, claiming that less focus on his players can only be a positive thing. And after 17 successive wins, it would be difficult to criticise his thinking too much.
England were on an 18-match winning run before falling short against Ireland in the final match of this year’s Six Nations.
While England were able to retain the title for the second consecutive campaign, back-to-back Grand Slams eluded their grasp. With a sell-out Aviva Stadium behind them, Ireland were too strong for a disappointing England side, but there is absolutely no shame in losing to the Irish on their home soil.
Looking at the bigger picture, England are gearing up for World Cup redemption in Tokyo in 2019. Jones knows that while winning the Six Nations is important, a second triumph in union’s ultimate international competition is the number one objective.
New Zealand have been the dominant force in world rugby for quite some time, but the All Blacks aren’t invincible – as proven by Ireland’s 40-29 success in Chicago last November.
England are set to face the All Blacks at Twickenham in 2018 and many will relish the chance to go up against New Zealand in their own backyard whilst on tour with the British and Irish Lions this summer.
Head coach Warren Gatland is expected to turn to a number of England stars in the coming weeks as the former Wales boss looks to select a side capable of defying the best international side on the planet.
It would take a brave man to back against the All Blacks on home soil, but for England fans, this is more of a scouting mission than it is a genuine push for a second tour triumph.
Should England gain greater insight into how New Zealand prepare, Jones can model his side on the All Blacks. At the time of writing, England are valued at 7/2 with 888sport to win the World Cup and that has to remain Jones’ main objective for the future.
Of course, England will be hoping that the Lions can upset New Zealand, but there is much more at stake this summer. With the tour and a tasty clash at Twickenham prior to the 2019 World Cup, Eddie Jones’ England will be taking full advantage of moulding their own game around the All Blacks style.
