What a topsy-turvy two years of rugby it’s been for England. 

Heading into 2019, there were doubts surrounding the England camp whether Eddie Jones really was the right man for the job. Despite winning both the 2016 and 2017 Six Nations title in his first two years in charge, Jones was heavily scrutinized for a lackluster 2018 Six Nations performance which saw England lose on three occasions and finish in 5^th place. Under heavy pressure to perform in 2019, England needed a strong Six Nations outing and a great World Cup for Jones to maintain his job. 

Watch England vs Georgia at the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup LIVE

Nov. 14 | 10AM ET

And in 2019, England delivered. Sort of. The Red Roses ran all over Ireland and France in the first two rounds of the Six Nations Championship before losing a nail biter in Cardiff to eventual Grand Slam champions Wales. 

They demolished Italy, and then there was the Scotland game… 

If England, under Eddie Jones, could be encapsulated in one match, this was it. From up 31-0, to down 31-38, to pulling out a 38-38 draw in the final minute, this was England at its hottest and its coldest. Once again, Jones was back under the microscope heading into the all-important Rugby World Cup, a tournament England failed to reach the quarterfinals of in 2015. 

Then the England star shone bright. Riveting displays against Argentina and Australia saw Jones' men reach the semi-final where they were pitted against the greatest team ever, the two-time defending champions arch-nemesis All Blacks. And right then and there is where Jones secured his place for years to come at the England helm, producing one of the memorable performances in World Cup history. They stifled New Zealand, winning 19-7 and advancing to the World Cup final. 

Watch England vs Georgia at the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup LIVE

Nov. 14 | 10AM ET

However, with one major leap forward, they were always bound to take a couple steps back. Those steps sadly came in the next game when they were soundly beaten by South Africa in the World Cup final. In hindsight, we might have seen a big crash coming. Under Jones, they've consistently elevated to stratospheric highs only to come hurtling back to Earth with a resounding thud. 

Unfortunately for them, 2020 began much as 2019 ended – in disappointment. Still hungover from a wild 2019, England came out flat at Six Nations, losing its opening round match to France. Yet again, eyes were on Jones, but like he’s always done, he rebounded well. England won its next three matches at Six Nations, and now sit in prime position to reclaim the crown when the competition resumes its final round before the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup. 

Watch England vs Georgia at the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup LIVE

Nov. 14 | 10AM ET

The Autumn Nations Cup will give England and Jones another opportunity to prove they truly are the beasts of the north. They’ll have to dispatch close rivals Wales and Ireland in pool play, but if they are in tune there’s no stopping them.