‘Rising Sons’, the inside story of England’s dramatic RWC run

He’s hard-nosed, mischievous, opinionated and funny.

Eddie Jones brings all of these qualities to his job as England coach and they are on full display during his starring role in “Rising Sons”, the documentary of England’s run at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Jones is very much the central figure of the documentary, flipping between seriousness and wittiness as he guides England to the World Cup final against South Africa.

The documentary shows the long-term planning, pre-match preparations and team dynamic which got them to within one game of glory; moments the everyday fan usually never gets to witness.

Supplementary interviews with Jones and captain Owen Farrell add further depth to the excellent documentary, not least because they benefit from perspective after the highs and lows.

The build-up to the semifinal against New Zealand is especially entertaining, not least because Jones goes to the heart of what it will take to beat the world’s number one team and England’s defiant response to the haka.

What’s evident throughout is Jones’ determination to drive his team on and, ironically, his quest for England to front up physically – and fiercely – when they go on to play the Springboks in the final.

There are few startling insights or strategic giveaways, but “Rising Sons” is a rare look at just what it takes for an elite team to contest a World Cup. The denouement is a shattering blow to England’s – and Eddie’s – ambition and the subsequent emotion is a startling reminder of what failure means to every player.

“Rising Sons” is available on DStv Now and DStv Catch Up, so if you'd like to watch it now > > > CLICK HERE . . .