Robbie Deans: Former Wallaby coach warns England of resurgent Australia

Former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans believes Eddie Jones’s England will have to be spot on tactically to claim a series win over Australia in July.

Jones has never lost to his country of birth while in charge of England, but the growth of Australia’s Super Rugby Pacific sides suggests it will be a lot more challenging against Dave Rennie’s Wallabies.

Deans expected the domestic sides to bounce back after a tumultuous period in the competition over the last few seasons.

“You can only take so much punishment, particularly if you’re a proud sporting nation like Australia,” said Deans to Stuff.

“They were always going to respond and they exposed a lot of young players through Super (Rugby).

“It’s just that time in the saddle and no Australian sportsman is going to stay down for long.

“They’re on the incline and the international program will benefit from that. They’ll have more depth, more competition, more ability to ride out injuries and form.

“And they’ve got the ultimate incentive now – two World Cups ahead of them (in 2023 in France and 2027 in Australia).”

Deans believes Jones will be looking to find a way to win, but it could be a complicated puzzle to solve.

“Yeah, they’ll be a challenge. No doubt about it. Eddie will be looking at it and expecting to win. It won’t be straightforward.”

The 62-year-old anticipates a thrilling series and hopes the Southern Hemisphere can maintain their hold over Rugby World Cup wins at the 2023 tournament.

“It’s going to be of great interest, which is good for the game,” he said.

“You wouldn’t want too much at stake in terms of picking the outcome, which is good as well.

“It’s a year out from the World Cup and it’s an exciting time in Australian rugby, so it’s the front end of what