THE LAST WORD

EDDIE JONES is back in the game and even his countless critics will anticipate an Australia revival. Jones will galvanise everyone involved — from players to backroom staff to officials — with the confidence and commitment to challenge all-comers. With him in charge, Australia will not fear the Springboks, All Blacks, France, Ireland, England or anyone else. A green-and-gold revival is imminent, but chaos looms too. Jones has already been publicly sparring with a leading rugby league figure Down Under and he will not be afraid to ruffle feathers. It is impossible to exaggerate to a UK audience how small union can feel in Australia, when compared to league, Aussie-rules football and cricket. The return of Jones will not only raise the prospects of the national team, it will raise the sport’s profile. Prepare for an absorbing sideshow. There will be collateral damage, no doubt, but it certainly will not be dull.