Pick more players from top half of Premiership
IN THE wake of another humiliating defeat for England an examination of the lack of consistency in Eddie Jones’ strategy is necessary.
Since their defeat in the last World Cup final England have regressed alarmingly, however their coach tries to dress it up.
When he took over it was obvious that he was going to build the foundations of his squad around the success of Saracens in the Premiership and Europe. However, as we know, most teams go through phases of success and failure for a variety of reasons.
Jones stuck faithfully with his Saracens backbone even though it became increasingly obvious that Exeter were fast catching up and about to overtake Saracens on the domestic scene. Why didn’t Jones take a long, hard look at his strategy and work out whether what Exeter was achieving could develop his squad further rather than stick with his Saracens “heritage” even as it was falling apart at club level.
To take the “club foundation” theory further, the England team against Ireland last Saturday contained just three players currently playing for clubs in the top half of the Premiership – Luke Cowan-Dickie, Kyle Sinkler and Tom Curry.
Despite the vagaries of fitness affecting selection, the skeleton of this England side has been based on players whose club and personal form over the last three or so seasons has been below par.
Any coincidence that this lack of club achievement has a parallel with England’s?
If success breeds success then Jones has to take a long hard look at whether his strategy has become mired in complacency.
The final aspect is that the competition has worked out how to nullify England tactics. Not difficult when Jones’ selection has too long relied upon the same players and tactics regardless of form.
As examples, No.8 Billy Vunipola is relatively one dimensional and has been for years so is it any surprise he no longer is the threat he once was… he has been found out; likewise there have been question marks over Mako Vunipola’s ability as a scrummager for years. Ireland cruelly exposed the many failings in England’s team, strategy, tactics and leadership (lack of).
If he remains Jones has a mammoth task to overhaul every aspect of his reign as England coach. There is precious little time left to him. Get on with it!