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The secret Zoom interview
Of course, when I mention Jones has been canvassing his options, I am referring to his secret interview for the Japan job, bombshell news from our man on the ground, Tom Decent, a day before this match. You can read the full, exclusive story here.
Eddie Jones.Credit: Getty
Now that’s out of the way, let’s talk about Eddie
Eddie Jones. The man appointed in January to replace a sacked Dave Rennie. The man who signed a five-year deal which would take him through until the 2027 World Cup. Who has overseen six losses from seven Tests this year and is on the brink of becoming the first Wallabies coach to stare down the barrel of a first-round exit at a World Cup. The same man who has simultaneously said he’s worried about getting sacked and started to look for other options before he even had reason for concern. As much as we are watching the Wallabies right now, we are watching Eddie. Eddie of akubra hat and siege mentality fame. Get ready for a show (and then an interesting press conference).
Good morning!
Shall I begin with a disclaimer that this is not guaranteed to be a good morning. This is more of a future-of-Australian-rugby-depends-on-beating-Wales morning. Which is to say: there’s a lot of riding on this Rugby World Cup pool match. After a 22-15 loss to Fiji exactly a week ago, the Wallabies must leave Parc Olympique Lyonnais victorious to have a realistic hope of making it out of Pool C in France.
These kinds of stakes two matches into a tournament are rare for Australia, but an embarrassing early exit is a very live option if things don’t go to plan here. They still have a match remaining after this, against Portugal in Saint-Etienne on October 1, before a “bye week” after that, when the last pool games take place on October 7 and 8.
Warren Gatland’s Wales are top of the pool after back-to-back wins over Fiji and Georgia, and can still make the quarter-finals even with a loss, especially with bonus points there for the taking. Wales boast a miserly defence. The Wallabies have injury issues, with Taniela Tupou, skipper Will Skelton and Max Jorgensen all sidelined since the campaign began. There are so many unknowns with this team right now, and so much riding on it. Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan has urged Wallabies detractors not to watch the game. I will so you don’t have to. Kick-off at 5am AEST.
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