Insight Into The Aussie Genius

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As a coach you are only 6 games away from being fired.

I have been reading Eddie Jones's book and have watched a few interviews and documentaries on his as well lately to try and get inside his head a bit more. He is a straight shooter with a few rough edges, but is super smart in what he does. Less is more in his case and it is so true.

I think once you understand how he became a coach it kind of falls into place a lot more than just thinking he is an ex rugby player who kind of progressively moved his career into that role.

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He knew the writing was on the wall after the semi final win against New Zealand. The press didn't help matters and he couldn't do what was required.

He never chose it and wasn't even on his mind until he was dropped as a player from his position at club level and was told he was coaching by his coach. He had a big mouth so he was given the team to do something with them.

He learnt to handle disappointments better over time but the one that rocked him was when he was told the blatant truth upfront with no beating around the bush.Bob Dwyer was the current coach of Australia at the time and told Eddie straight that he was too small and forget being a Wallaby. Eddie appreciated it even though it put him into a depression and he kind of does the same thing with a little more tact these days.

Most players think he is harsh, but they respect him as they know he speaks the truth. He is different and players get nervous around him. Matt Gitteau was an Austarlian center celebrating his 21st Birthday over a previous World Cup campaign. Eddie had told him at practice that he was not allowed a drink and when the players were all given beers at the bar that night Gitteau included he didn't want to drink it. He said his head was spinning as he didn't know what to do and didn't drink it. Eddie kept the team grounded and subtly tried to help players who sometimes didn't get the meaning of the hint.

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Everyone respects him as he challenges the players to bring out the best in themselves.

Ben Youngs was tubby and needed to lose some weight yet he didn't lose it very quickly either. He got the message when Eddie gave him a huge bag of pick 'n mix sweets which he declined and started to lose weight afterwards.Another player loved to drink loads of beer and Eddie gave him a case of beers which he gladly accepted and missed the meaning of the gift as Eddie never saw the case of beers again.

I am sure most of you have noticed that most top coaches in any sport were never top players themselves. They knew what they were lacking to be a top player though whereas a top player wouldn't know the secret. This is so true and why I like his coaching style so much. Not only are the players not quite sure where they stand with him but it keeps them level headed and not too cock sure.

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Team meetings 15 minutes with only 3 items on the agenda. Short and sweet.

The one interesting thing I thought I would add is that he has had to treat players differently today than when he grew up. Times have changed and the new generation is seriously lacking in the communication skill department. When you put 30 players together there is going to be some friction at some point as not everyone gets on with each other. Families have issues and now you put 30 guys together for 2 months at a time there is bound to be some aggravation. players get lessons on diplomacy and how to handle situations which I think is sad as that should be inbred but obviously isn't with the cell phone generation texting.

He firmly believes that players in the squad must settle the differences between themselves and that doesn't mean violence either, but talking it out.Most people don't handle confrontation very well as today people send a text message and think they have sorted it out but it is not so easy when you have to be with that person every day.

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I give him 2 years max and he will be gone.

I do really rate this guy as he is far from politically correct in the way he does things. I am a bit like that and understand what he is trying to do. Something tells me Eddie won't be with England for the next World Cup as he doesn't give much away, but it is just his body language that suggests he has an eye elsewhere. That is for the next post as I have rambled on too much already.