Rugby World Cup 2019: Owen Finegan says England coach Eddie Jones can turn around Wallabies fortunes
Owen Finegan has been coached by Eddie Jones at club, Super Rugby and Test level, and says it’s time to stop looking for a Kiwi to take over the Wallabies. Plus, where to watch the final.
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Wallabies legend Owen Finegan believes Eddie Jones can lead Australian rugby out of the wilderness, after it emerged that the All Blacks have opened talks with No.1 coaching target Dave Rennie.
Finegan says the Wallabies need an Australian coach to combat the Kiwi raid – Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle and the coaches of the two biggest franchises are from New Zealand.
“I think you need an Australian to coach the national team,” Finegan tsaid.
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“We’ve got New Zealand administrators, New Zealand coaches, so something is wrong in our program that we’re not putting these people through, and there’s enough good coaches coming through so where are all our assistants going?
“It comes down to development pathways - which have been changed recently and we’re starting to see success because there’s better cattle coming through.”
Jones is the best Australian candidate to take over as Wallabies coach from Michael Cheika, however he is contracted to England until the end of 2021.
However, if he were to win the World Cup final with them on Saturday night against South Africa, he may be tempted to return to his home nation to fix the mess of the Wallabies.
It has been tipped for some time that Rennie – another Kiwi - would replace Cheika, but the revelation that he is now in talks with the NZRU to potentially replace outgoing Steve Hansen has thrown the job wide open.
Finegan said RA would have to plug at Jones’ emotional heartstrings to lure him.
“I don’t think Australian rugby would have the pay packet to pay him,” Finegan said.
“When he was coaching here last he was still a good coach, he won a title with us at the Brumbies in 2001, he was the same coach and then came out with a 50 per cent (Test) winning record.
“Eddie’s strengths are coming in and rebuilding programs, he’s had four years to develop this English side and everything has been aimed at the World Cup, he’s looked back from there and done a really good job of implementing plans and getting buy-in from players.
“So could he do a good job in Australian rugby? He definitely could, and that’s what they need, they’re lost in the wilderness.
“They’ve had good success in the Under-20s and schoolboys so you’re wondering if the next four years look good.
“There’s 17 years of no Bledisloe or World Cup, as a former Wallaby I look around and see no lack of pride in the jersey from players.
“Consistency of selection has been difficult, some of that is administration but some of that is also players not putting their hand up with good performances – to go into a World Cup not knowing who your best halves are, the teams who made the semi-finals all knew.
“Eddie was obviously my coach at Randwick, he coached me at the Brumbies, he coached me at the Wallabies, I’ve had a fair bit to do with him.
“He is very driven, hardworking, has a real big statistical focus – how many times teams kick the ball – always finds one or two opportunities in a game.
“He’s probably not the greatest man-management person, he demands a lot, if he’s going to put in a lot of effort he demands the same from his coaches and players, it’s something that’s worked for England.
“Most places he’s gone to he’s made a difference but it hasn’t been a long-term placement, in three or four years he’ll turn them around.”
Finegan, who will be speaking to fans at The Star Casino’s Sports Bar during the final on Saturday night, produced one of the great individual performances in a World Cup final, leading the Wallabies to the title in 1999 over France.
He says the winner of this England vs Springboks clash will be the side that has the closest personal relationships.
“I think 95 per cent of a World Cup final is psychological, that last week you’re not going to get any benefit from extra training sessions so it’s about getting people mentally right,” Finegan said.
“The most important part is working hard for each other, that camaraderie in that last week, I remember that last week in Cardiff we spent a lot of time in each others’ company rather than training sessions, we had social events that made us get out of our hotel and be around each other.”
WHERE TO WATCH THE FINAL
Best pubs in Sydney for England and Springboks fans
ENGLAND
The Star 27/7 Sports Bar: More than 1000 fans are expected at the casino’s huge sports bar, and 75 per cent are expected to be kitted in white. Wallabies great Owen Finegan will be telling stories and providing expert analysis before and during the match. 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont.
Cheers Bar: One of the best-known haunts for England sports fans in Sydney, this CBD favourite will be heaving with Pommy supporters whose songs will be ringing out through George Street if Eddie Jones’s side gets up. 561 George Street, Sydney.
Taffy’s: Plenty of North Shore English fans will be crowded around one of the 19 television screens at this renovated sports bar at The Oaks. The screen that stretches over six metres can expect plenty of “off-side ref” calls to be shouted at it. 118 Military Road, Neutral Bay.
SOUTH AFRICA
Coogee Bay Hotel: The English backpackers cheering on their side are bound to outnumbered by Bok supporters at this beachfront eastern suburbs, and as exciting will be punters challenging each other on the mechanical rugby ball they’ve put in. After the final whistle, Aussie DJ Groove Terminator will be spinning tunes. 253 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee.
Pymble Hotel: The north shore suburb of St Ives has the biggest South African population in Sydney and plenty will be wandering down to this famous watering hole offering $15 jugs. 1134 Pacific Highway, Pymble.
Easts Rugby Club: A sea of green will swarm upon this popular venue, most watching on the outdoor cinema screen with the comforting smell of barbecuing meat on the grill. 22a O’Sullivan Road, Bellevue Hill.
Originally published as Rugby World Cup 2019: Owen Finegan says England coach Eddie Jones can turn around Wallabies fortunes