FIVE LIVE RUGBY SPECIAL BBC Radio Five Live 23 May, 1900-2200 BST

"Strategically and in terms of managing teams, there's no-one better in the world," he said of his old adversary.

"I believe the new position is very close to the one he suggested he should take in 2004," he told Radio Five Live.

"Clive certainly has the skills set. It comes down to his attitude and whether he really wants to get back into rugby and knock heads together."

Interview: Former Australia coach Eddie Jones

Jones warned: "The person who takes that job is going to have difficulty in getting consensus about what is best for national and club rugby."

The former Wallabies boss also told Five Live Rugby Special that England coach Andy Robinson has been too slow in blooding fresh talent.

"I think Andy's a good coach. The only thing I'd say is they probably haven't brought in the young players quickly enough," he said.

Jones worked as an adviser at Saracens this season, giving him a close-up view of some of rising English stars.

He was particularly impressed with Leicester winger Tom Varndell, who will tour Australia with England this summer but has only one cap to date.

Jones said: "He reminds me a little bit of (Bryan) Habana of South Africa of a season or two ago - pretty raw, not so physical, but plenty of pace.

Despite his criticism of Robinson, new Queensland coach Jones thinks he was right to pick 34-year-old Mike Catt for England's tour.

"Catt looked to be the best game-controller in England at the moment," he said.

"He's still a very good player himself, but his tactical control is outstanding.

"If you looked at England during the Six Nations you'd think one area they needed to improve was that tactical control of the game - when to kick, when to run, when to pass."