English rugby is in turmoil.
Not only are there some major problems with the club game in the country, but their national team are also in the midst of their worst run in over a decade.
Their loss to South Africa at the weekend was a hugely disappointing one, being outplayed and outfought by a second string Springbok outfit. It was the latest in a long string of poor results for them under Eddie Jones, whose position as head coach is coming increasing scrutiny.
Many felt that the RFU should have gotten rid of him on a few different occasions over the last 12 months, with Clive Woodward saying Irishman Conor O'Shea and others must accept responsibility for the team's current predicament.
Jones has long stated that he is building a team for next year's World Cup, but as their form continues to deteriorate, it seems all confident has been lost in his ability to turn the situation around.
Mike Brown calls for Eddie Jones to be held accountable
It seems that many in the RFU are happy to continue trudging along under Eddie Jones, even if it looks unlikely that he will improve the team before the World Cup.
Writing in his column in the Daily Mail, Mike Brown said it was time for the Aussie to be held accountable for England's dire form over the last couple of years.
I have stopped believing what comes out of Eddie Jones’ mouth. I’m hearing the same things over and over again. We keep getting fed all these narratives about growth and playing style, but it’s not being backed up on the pitch.
He keeps saying it’s his fault, so what is he doing about it? England have just finished their worst year since 2008, with five wins out of 12, and the time for talking is over. People are bored with it. He needs to be held to account...
Barring 10 minutes last week, we have seen nothing from this team. England scraped a draw against New Zealand, but it is easy to throw the kitchen sink at it when you are down like that, and the All Blacks have not been in good form.
There are players good enough for England, but they are not showing themselves as they do at their clubs. What is going on in the England team environment and in the players’ heads.
Some have been together for two World Cup cycles. Last week, we heard this is still a new England team, but it isn’t. There are some I played with — that is how long they have been together.
It is highly likely that the World Cup will be Eddie Jones' last hurrah with England, although many would prefer to see him leave his post sooner than that.
Should they fail to perform at that tournament, serious questions will be asked about the decision to allow him to lead the side to France.
SEE ALSO: Clive Woodward Launches Blistering Attack On Conor O'Shea Over England's Demise
