MY ACCOUNT
Bryan Habana has defended Eddie Jones’ record as England head coach, suggesting he could finally break his World Cup duck at next year’s 2023 tournament.
The Australian will see his side conclude the November international break against South Africa this weekend in a replay of the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
Jones has come under fire for his side’s recent performances, with a shock loss to Argentina and a draw with New Zealand both on his record in recent weeks.
But Habana, who won the 2007 Rugby World Cup with Jones as a member of the Springboks’ backroom teams, believes he can still guide England to the ultimate prize.
“I was very fortunate that I got to work with Eddie in 2007,” he told StatsPerform. “[He] brought in a very different way of thinking. The difference he made with England was absolutely phenomenal.
“Every coach will be criticised and scrutinised by results. I think for many of the English fans, the scrutiny and the criticism has come around England not performing to the maximum.
“Eddie is an astute coach. He’ll be able to take responsibility for where this England team currently is.
“But I also know, despite being under fire, despite being under the microscope, he has the ability to see this England side go one step further and actually win a World Cup in 2023.”
Jones is not the only coach whose side have struggled across November, with reigning world champions South Africa also finding positive results hard to come by.
But Habana is proud of how the Springboks have performed across a year of ups and downs, and feels they are heading in the right direction for a successful World Cup campaign.
“It’s been a pretty topsy-turvy year,” he added. “They’ll know they have a lot at stake going into 2023. But, we’re proud of what the team has achieved so far.
“A year out from the World Cup, the right steps are being taken. The Springbok team is definitely building something special.”
Bryan Habana is an ambassador for the Laureus Challenge 2022, presented by Sierra Space
