Eddie Jones lost for words after Australia's Rugby World Cup defeat to Fiji

17 September 2023 , 18:35

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Eddie Jones couldn't explain his side's performance (Image: Getty Images)

Eddie Jones couldn't explain why Australia's players were "off it" as the Wallabies suffered a shock 22-15 defeat to Fiji in Saint-Etienne which has left their Rugby World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.

The Aussies lost to a Pacific Island nation for the very first time at a World Cup to leave them facing possible elimination in next weekend's pool clash with Wales, with Fiji's delirious players bursting into song at full-time as they celebrated victory a week after their own narrow defeat to the Welsh.

Ex-England coach Jones said: "They outplayed us at the ruck, in a close game like that that is the difference. For some reason we were just off today. In the stats we dominated, it was two tries to one but we were a poor version of ourselves. There is some soul searching to do and it makes the Wales game pretty important."

Wales now top Pool C with two wins from two following their 28-8 victory over Portugal on Saturday. Australia have never failed to advance from the pool stages, but they now face the possibility of their world ever World Cup performance.

Captain David Poreki said: "Credit to Fiji, it was a class performance from them. They have world class players at the breakdown, so credit to them. We have a quick turnaround for Wales, we have to lick our wounds and get up for it but that's easy as this is the World Cup."

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Australia's players were stunned with the defeat (AP)

Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui was almost as stunned as Jones following the result, as he masterminded his side's first win over Australia for 69 years after Fiji had lost 17 of their last 18 matches against the Wallabies.

"I am emotionally drained," he said. "It was a great contest, they are a great Australia side and we know each other well, but I am so proud of the boys. It kept us guessing till the end.

"They have worked really hard, we pushed them to the limits and they have never complained. When you work hard you get the results."

Fiji's Josua Tuisova added: "We emptied the tank in the second half. We treated this game as a final. We play together as a team, winning this game is incredible."

Mark Jones