VIDEO - 'One shouldn’t point fingers': Rassie weighs in on Felix Jones saga
SPOTLIGHT: Rassie Erasmus says no two coaching groups are the same as he asked for his opinion on Felix Jones’ absence from the England set-up.
Jones resigned as England’s defence coach in August but Steve Borthwick later revealed that he is being used to provide analysis of the opposition throughout the November Tests amid uncertainty over the date he will officially leave the role.
Earlier this week, senior assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth and centre Henry Slade said they had no contact with Jones ahead of Saturday’s clash against the Springboks despite his inside knowledge.
Jones helped South Africa win back-to-back World Cups before joining Borthwick’s management team 11 months ago.
When asked if Jones is still employed by England, Wigglesworth replied: “I wouldn’t be able to tell you. I have not spoken to him.
“I know he is working for us – behind the scenes that is – but I haven’t spoken to him.”
The story continues below…
On Thursday, Erasmus was asked if he was surprised by how things have unfolded in the England setup.
“What I can say is that a guy who fits into one management team and then not fitting into another team is never a direct connection to an unhealthy environment,” said the Bok coach.
“I am a coach and might need a Duane Vermeulen who just helps me out and makes sure I don’t neglect a certain area.
“Sometimes he can assist with the defence, while Jerry [Flannery] is doing a lot of the hard work behind the computer.
“Sometimes it’s just the mix of the management team – what a coach needs to make his coaching setup fully covered in all areas.
“I don’t think it would have been a personality clash [in the England coaching group]. If it was, I wouldn’t talk about it because I don’t know about it.
“I also don’t think one should point fingers and say, ‘He meant so much there, how can he not mean a lot there’.
“Sometimes what’s needed in one team is not exactly what’s needed in another team.”
Additional reporting: PA News Agency
🥁Drum roll….Your #Spingboks team 🚨
🔗 https://t.co/77FvD9kHHI#Rugby365 #autumnnationsseries #England pic.twitter.com/Ve1GdzbOTp
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) November 14, 2024
