If you can’t beat them, hire them. The last time England’s players saw Felix Jones, he was assistant coach of the South African team that edged them in last year’s Rugby World Cup semi-final in Paris. Now he’s here, in their inner sanctuary. Wearing a red rose on his chest, the Irishman wants to share some of the Springbok trade secrets ahead of this year’s Six Nations championship.
The question is: which ones? The “traffic light” communication system at Boks’ bus shed? A 7-1 forward bench split? Famous water bearers? For now, Jones suggests, the answer is none of the above. “I don’t think you’ll see that at Twickenham,” he muttered this week when asked if Rassie Erasmus’ familiar traffic lights would make a reappearance. But how about a “Nuke Squad” replica of powerful backups? “I think that’s probably a little further down the line as well.”
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So what exactly will Jones, 36, who currently lives in Dublin, bring to his new role as England’s defense coach? Judging by the long list of scribbled notes written in blue ballpoint pen on the back of his left hand, the answer is detailed and numerous. England head coach Steve Borthwick describes him as “one of the most intense people I’ve ever met and that’s saying something”. In Jones’ first tactical address to the team, Borthwick described Jones “showing things I’ve never heard any other coach discuss” and the incredible silence in the room as everyone began to appreciate the extra value he could bring. .
Having previously shared two World Cup victories and a series victory over the British and Irish Lions, Jones’ coaching CV is already something to behold. Injury forced him to retire at the age of 28, as he had no intention of becoming a coach, especially when he represented Munster and made 13 appearances in the back three for Ireland. “I never thought of this as a career path. I kind of fell into it. Anthony Foley asked me to go back in and have a look at what Munster were doing and give some feedback. The following season Rassie Erasmus came in and said: ‘Look, do you want to take this a little more seriously?’”
Born into a family that has produced generations of leading Irish architects, Jones clearly has an analytical mind suited to the modern data-heavy game. He also has a contemporary understanding of the game, having shared the pitch with many of England’s current squad. Elliot Daly and Henry Slade lined up opposite him when the Irish Wolfhounds and England Saxons met in Cork in 2015. Luke Cowan-Dickie and Maro Itoje were on the bench. “Dan Cole also mentioned he played against me in a Churchill Cup match… and probably Danny Care in the U20s somewhere too. “I guess we’re all just showing our age.”
This gives him a keen understanding of exactly what it takes to win at the highest level these days, and what might be worth stealing from world champions. “It’s not always transferable but for someone who’s played rugby you get the feeling that a side is very tight, they’re not going to give up and they’re going to stay in the fight. And whether you’re at school or at international level, there’s an advantage to winning the clash. This almost goes without saying.
He is also a famous student of the collapse, helped by the formidable forward artillery that South Africa had and which Britain still hoped to muster. But Jones notes that muscle isn’t the only answer. “Size and strength affect things, of course, but also people’s character, stamina and motivation. “If we can continue to find the right guys in the Premier League who can showcase those qualities, I think it could be just as effective in terms of winning the clash.”
Jones also has Jedi-level expertise in how modern Test-level defenses now work. “What most defenses are after is an increase in pressuring opponents’ skills. Attacks are getting so good these days that will be one of the big things.” Judging by last October’s wet-weather semi-final at the Stade de France, he believes England already have the pillars in place. “Our perception is that the English side are incredibly effective and it was a difficult team to beat. I thought it was an incredible match. “I know it was raining hard, but I thought it was extremely exciting in terms of the arm wrestling and the fierceness of the match.”
This begs the question of how far to broaden England’s horizons or how far to narrow them in line with South Africa’s successful modus operandi? Entertaining the crowd isn’t always a coaching priority, although Twickenham bosses are demanding something more morale-boosting. “There’s something about winning Test matches and not blinding yourself to what’s effective,” Jones warns. “You have to find the marriage of that, and that is challenging.”
How Kevin Sinfield assumes his former role will be integral to the team’s development either way. These are early days, but Jones is not one to shy away from challenges. He considers the highlight of his playing career to be managing to fight back after two serious knee surgeries and a dislocated neck. When he invites England’s players to gather together and hear his thoughts on exactly how they should approach big games, his track record suggests they would do well to listen.