What Eddie Jones thinks of Angus Crichton switching codes

1 month ago 15

The man who first tried signing Angus Crichton to Rugby Australia remains more than convinced the Sydney Roosters back-rower will be an instant success.

Eddie Jones was Wallabies coach when Crichton was first sounded out about switching codes in 2023, only for negotiations to drag on for months, then ultimately collapse.

Crichton’s manager David Rawlings slammed the process with Rugby Australia at the time as “bad business”.

Crichton this week signed a two-year $1.6m deal with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs. When Jones first reached out, the deal was for a similar amount but with Crichton to play domestically with the Western Force.

Jones has since taken over coaching duties at Japan and welcomed the chance of potentially facing Crichton and the Wallabies at next year’s World Cup.

“The rule for me has always been, ‘if you can play State of Origin, you can play Test rugby’ – Angus is a proper State of Origin player, so he’s going to make it in Test rugby,” Jones said.

Eddie Jones joined Manly coach Anthony Seibold at Friday’s scrimmage against St George Illawarra

“The big thing will be settling on a position quickly, then they need to coach him really well. Coaching for the league players [is really important].

“I think No. 12 is the right position for him. He’s a big strong guy, he’ll have to get a bit sharper on his feet, but he can do that.

“You always want them to do what they are really good at. Learning the nuances of the game can be a challenge, but the good players can do it quickly.”

Crichton plays at about 108kg at the Roosters, but is expected to shed a little weight in the hope he will move a little quicker for the transition to inside centre in rugby.

The 29-year-old Crichton this week said he was unsure if he would take part in the league World Cup at the end of the year – he was one of the Kangaroos’ best forwards at last year’s Ashes – or try to make himself available for the Wallabies’ spring tour of Europe in the hope of fast-tracking his rugby development.

Jones returned home for a few days this week and was due to fly to Melbourne on Sunday, but not before accepting an invitation from Manly coach Anthony Seibold to watch an unofficial trial against St George Illawarra at Jubilee Stadium on Friday.

Seibold worked as an assistant to Jones when he was coach of the England rugby team and called on him to be a sounding board more than once since he has been at the Sea Eagles.

“It was an exchange of minds, mate,” Jones said.

“I thought attack wise Manly were a lot straighter than what they probably were last year. They looked to have a lot more options.

Clint Gutherson takes a breather after Friday’s hit-out against Manly.

“It’s good for me to watch and try to pick up on the nuances.”

Seibold said picking Jones’ mind was invaluable. “I wanted him to have a look at some of our work off the footy, but also what the coaches do and our communication,” he said.

“He’s a world-class coach and he gave us some good advice. I enjoy having him in and he takes a few ideas back to Japanese rugby.”