Why Eddie Jones could be the saviour of Australian rugby even if he FAILS to deliver World Cup

Even if he doesn’t win the Rugby World Cup in September or New Zealand hoist yet another Bledisloe Cup this year, Eddie Jones may still be considered the saviour of the sport in Australia.

The recently appointed Wallabies coach – for a second time – has quickly re-energised the sport after he replaced Dave Rennie in January.

Proof of the Jones magic touch was reflected in the 25,000 plus crowd who were at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Friday when the Waratahs hosted the Brumbies in their Super Rugby Pacific season opener.

In recent years the competition has struggled to attract fans through the gate – but with Jones back at the helm of Australia, there is hope the struggling code can once again become relevant on local shores.

Rennie was a bland character compared to Jones, who has already ruffled some feathers at the NRL after declaring the likes of Cameron Murray and Ryan Papenhuyzen are on his player hit list.

Following his appointment in January, Eddie Jones has been a much needed breath of fresh air for Rugby Australia 

Jones replaced Dave Rennie as Wallabies coach – the pair are polar opposites in terms of personality

And given Jones successfully poached Lote Tuquri, Mat Rogers and Wendell Sailor ahead of the 2003 World Cup, history could easily repeat itself, leaving Peter V’Landys and company nervously looking over their shoulders.

Sydney Roosters young gun Joseph Suaalii also knows if he defects to rugby, a contract of at least $1.5million per season will follow from RA.

Not bad for a 19-year-old, who at the moment wouldn’t be earning half that amount in rugby league.

Jones, 63, has been the breath of fresh air Rugby Australia needed.

Tellingly, the Wallabies last won the Bledisloe Cup against the All Blacks in 2002 – and the continual defeats have left rival codes rejoicing year after year.

Jones is also well aware if Australia win the World Cup in France come September, a statue will follow.

Maybe even a street parade in his honour. 

This week Jones continued the hype, penning an open letter to the Australian rugby community.

Jones previously coached the Wallabies to the World Cup final in 2003, where they lost to England

The message was clear – if everyone is on the same page, why not dare to dream. 

‘Australia has the talent to win the Rugby World Cup in Paris on‌ October‌ 29,’ Jones wrote.

‘Right now, we don’t have the team, but we do have the talent. ‘We also don’t have a clear path from where we start‌ today to where we want to end up.

‘Ultimately, that path will be carved by the Australian players and the choices they make between now and then. 

‘That path will be created by the standards the players set for themselves and their teammates.’

The inspiring words were Jones to a tee, who as always, wants onus on the players to perform.

If they don’t, the code will continue to die a slow death in Australia. 

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