Rugby Union: England must follow Eddie Jones' example and get their edge back

2015 was set to be ‘the’ year for English rugby, with a home Rugby World Cup and the eyes of the world on them they were supposed to go all the way to the final and contend for rugby’s ultimate prize.

Instead the hosts left the party early, they were beaten by Wales and Australia on home soil and were left to watch the remainder of the tournament on television like the rest of us. The question is why?

Well of course you can pinpoint specific moments in both of those crucial pool matches that impacted heavily on the respective results. Arguably, ‘that’ kick for touch against Wales was the most significant of them all however there was also an overarching factor that clouded England’s campaign - they were simply being ‘too English’.

We all know that the English as a nation are terribly polite. We always queue in an orderly fashion, never fully speak our minds even when we really want to, and always say sorry for everything that happens, regardless of fault.

In the 2015 Rugby World Cup it felt as if England Rugby simply showed too many of these national traits. Those involved kept more than one eye on the opposition, particularly in terms of selection, and when opponents analysed them they didn’t quake in their boots at the prospect of facing the hosts.

Going forwards it is clear that this politeness won’t continue under Eddie Jones’ watch. The Australian is a forthright and blunt character; things with Eddie Jones are black or they are white, there’s no in-between.

This has been very clear from his opening addresses with the world’s media. Eddie Jones shares only what he wants and no more, if questions are irrelevant or impertinent then he lets people know, in no uncertain terms. There’s no beating around the bush and this ballsy and resolute temperament is exactly what he wants to see from his side on the pitch during the RBS 6 Nations and beyond.

England’s most successful side ever, the famous 2003 World Cup winning squad, were feared by the world on two fronts, one being the calibre of players and the other their uncompromising and unrelenting grit.

Every single team in the world knew that Martin Johnson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Neil Back and those around them would be playing right on the edge and constantly pushing the boundaries. Yes, it is a different era with TMO’s, citings and cameras galore however it isn’t impossible for England in 2016 to regain that edge and it starts now.

This RBS 6 Nations Dylan Hartley will be captaining the side and the expectation from their head coach is that every player will follow his ‘aggressive and uncompromising approach to playing rugby’. It is time for England rugby to stop being so polite and start ruffling a few feathers and Murrayfield on 6th February will be the perfect place to do so.