Australia on verge of World Cup elimination as Jones' side thumped by Wales

24 September 2023 , 20:50

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Australia coach Eddie Jones (Image: SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP) (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)

Australia are on the brink of being knocked out of the Rugby World Cup after Eddie Jones' men were thumped 40-6 by Wales in Lyon.

It was not quite do-or-die for Australia following their shock 22-15 loss to Fiji last weekend, but their hopes of reaching the knockout stages are now hanging by a thread and relying on other results going their way. Jones, who returned as Australia coach in January shortly after being sacked by England, insisted before the game he had "no doubt" they would beat Wales.

However, they barely landed a blow as tries from Gareth Davies, Nick Tompkins and Jac Morgan fired Warren Gatland's side to a dominant victory. It was Wales' biggest margin of victory over Australia, smashing the previous record set back in 1975.

And former Wales flanker Emyr Lewis branded Australia a "mess" while commentating for the BBC. "Australia have hit the self-destruct button, they have lost their confidence and belief completely," he said. "They're now trying to play as individuals and they are a mess.

"This is incredible, mistake after mistake from the Australians. This is hard to watch, I think they're doing it deliberately now just to get rid of Eddie Jones!"

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Former Wales star James Hook added: "Australia look lost they don't know what their game plan is, defensively they look tired, they look all over the shop. Wales look comfortable and on their way to a quarter-final."

In his post-match press conference, Jones issued an apology for Australia's performance, but insisted he remains the right man for the job. "I would like to apologise to all Australia supporters," he said.

Australia suffered a record defeat to Wales (SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)

"Our performances was not up to the standards requited. I take full responsibility for it. It is very disappointing. Congratulations to Wales. I remain committed to the Australia project. I still believe I am the person to turn things around.

"I was put in this job to turn Australia around and I don't think I could have done it with the players we had. This is the most painful time but also the best time to learn for young players."

Wales boss Gatland, meanwhile told ITV: "It was a pretty good performance but I thought our line speed could improve. Once we got a bit of confidence and a bit of momentum we were on top.

"We've worked so hard and you get what you deserve and we deserved to win today. We know how much defence has dominated for us in the past and not conceding a try was superb."

Matthew Cooper