Humiliated Jones denies Australia future in doubt after being booed by own fans
Eddie Jones has insisted he remains committed to Australia despite the Wallabies on the brink of a harrowing World Cup exit.
Following the defeat to Fiji last weekend, a second group stage loss against Wales in Lyon on Sunday night was not an option that Jones and his players could contemplate. But despite some bullish pre-match talk from the head coach, Australia were completely outplayed, going down 40-6 against Warren Gatland's side.
The performance was a damning as the result for Jones, despite his side appearing in the contest at the interval as they trailed 16-6. But a woeful second half display, during which the southern hemisphere side appeared to lose their discipline as their set-piece play fell apart, saw them concede a further 24 points without reply.
Barring an unlikely capitulation from Fiji in their final games with Portugal and Georgia, Jones' side are on the brink of becoming the first Australian team to exit a World Cup before the knockout stages. But the 63-year-old remained defiant after the final whistle, and backed himself to revive fortunes.
"I remain committed to the Australia project. I still believe I am the person to turn things around," he told ITV. “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."
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It was considered a shock when Jones returned to his former role in January, just weeks after being relieved of his duties as England head coach. And he courted controversy ahead of the tournament in France when after a run of five straight Test defeats, iconic flanker Michael Hooper and fly-half Quade Cooper were both axed from his tournament squad.
And on the eve of the Wales clash, revelations emerged that Jones had held secret talks with officials from Japan over the possibility of returning as head coach. That's despite being contracted with Rugby Australia until 2027, with his deal expiring after the next World Cup down under.
Nick Tompkins celebrates his try in Lyon (Getty Images)But after being pressed on the links, Jones was dismissive, claiming he was only now focused on what is likely to be his side's final tournament game with Portugal next Sunday. And he also acknowledged the anger of fans amid a harrowing campaign.
"I don't know what you are talking about mate," he fired back. I take umbrage to people questioning my commitment to the Australia job. We’re going to get ready for Portugal.
"There’s one game to go and we’ve got to pick up the pieces and put on a good performance. I apologise to all the supporters out there for our performance tonight.”
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