Rugby Football Union claims that England made “solid progress”Former wing Ugo Monye says that the Six Nations was “dishonest” during the Six Nations.
England won two matches and scored fewer try points than 2021 for the second consecutive championship.
Monye stated that “I would like to know who at the RFU thinks this signifies progress” and was happy with the state of things on the Rugby Union Daily podcast.
“Fundamentally, it’s just dishonest. “There is no progress.”
Eddie Jones, the 62-year-old head coach, was faced with calls to resign following England’s third place finish. 25-13 defeat by Grand Slam champions France.
Unnamed RFU spokesperson stated that the Australian was “building a new England team against clear strategies” and that it “continues its full support for Eddie”.
A spokesperson stated that “a complete review” would be done “as it is usual after every tournament.”
Sam Warburton, a former Wales captain, stated that “the RFU are trying get Eddie Jones’ back”
“It’s not truthful. Two wins will not be considered progress by anyone except Italy. This is not progress for England.
Monye claimed that someone should have made the statement on behalf of the RFU and taken responsibility for England’s Six Nations.
He said that he also felt sorry for some players because they weren’t getting the right direction.
“With the financial backing and the player pool, the coaching staff and the coach they have, it is impossible to win two out of five games twice in a year. He said it was unacceptable, unbelievable, and appalling.
“England talks about fighting against France and Ireland with great spirit, but it is not what you would expect. They were miles behind France.
“England disregarding the Six Nations”
Jones has repeatedly stated that he regards England’s loss as learning experiences for younger players. Warburton noted that England had not given enough attention to the Six Nations.
He said, “It’s no longer about the World Cup right at the moment, it’s all about the Six Nations,” on BBC Two’s Rugby Union Special.
It’s an incredible tournament, and it’s not right to say that we’re building for the World Cup next season. It’s all about winning the Six Nations. This ‘buying time talk’ is not for me.
A former British and Irish Lions captain stated that England’s decline is surprising considering their talent.
“The World Cup semifinal win against New Zealand in 2019 was possibly the greatest performance England have ever produced, but I don’t understand how they are so far off that now,” he said.
They should be physical dominating teams and strong in the set-piece. They have great players like Harry Randall or Marcus Smith, and they should be a formidable team. But I’m not sure why they have fallen behind.
“They are way behind where we were for the 2019 World Cup.”
John Barclay, an ex-Scotland captain, asked England about their strategy and whether it would be possible to fix the problems of the team by bringing back injured players such Owen Farrell, Jonny Mai, Anthony Watson, Manu Tuilagi, and Anthony Watson.
“Eddie Jones stated he wanted to unleash a wide-ranging and aggressive brand of rugby,” he added. They should be playing an incredible brand of rugby, but what will these players do to the team if it isn’t?
“England is changing and cutting, they are changing the style of play and it’s just not working at the moment.”
| Saturday, February 5th: Scotland (A), lost 20-17 |
| Sunday 13 February, Beat Italy 33-0. (A) |
| Saturday 26 February: Beat Wales 23-19 (H) |
| Saturday, 12 March: Ireland (H), lost 32-15 |
| Saturday, 19 March: France (A), lost 25-13 |
Record of Jones Six Nations – From high to low
- Jones was named head coach in November 2015. He led England to a Grand Slam in the first Six Nations.
- He managed another title in 2017, when his side’s 18 match unbeaten streak was ended by Ireland in the final game.
- England came fifth in the 2018 Six Nations.
- They finished second in 2019, and then reached the final of World Cup Japan in the same year, but were defeated by South Africa.
- The Australian was given a new contract for four years to help England reach the 2023 World Cup.
- England was fifth in 2021 after winning the 2020 Six Nations. The event was disrupted by Covid-19 and ended in October.
- England finished third in 2022 with only two wins for the second consecutive year