Ask South Africa’s players and they could scarcely be more complimentary. “He’s an unbelievable coach,” the Springboks’ full-back Willie le Roux says. “It’s a privilege to work with him.” His teammate Kwagga Smith feels similarly. “He’s an amazing coach and person. All of us as Springboks are better players because of him.”
Interestingly the man to whom they are referring is neither Rassie Erasmus nor Jacques Nienaber but the 36-year-old Felix Jones, who will be switching camps to join England’s management team after this World Cup. Jones – no relation to Eddie – is not necessarily a household name across his native Ireland but if South Africa beat New Zealand at the Stade de France on Saturday his coaching CV will feature two World Cup final victories plus a series victory over the British & Irish Lions in 2021.
