Eddie Jones looks down at the ground as his Australian team suffer defeat to Wales
For those back home in Australia, it's time mourning has begun over the desperate death of the Wallabies, who are now on the verge of being eliminated from the Rugby World Cup at the pool stage for the first time in their history.
Former players and journalists have not only attacked Eddie Jones, the head coach whose his record during his current tenure with the Wallabies stands at one win in eight matches — but also to the state of Australian rugby as a whole, raising concerns about the team's future. The game, after defeats by Fiji and Wales by a combined score of 62-21, left Australia with plans for an early flight home.
Telegraph Sport has rounded up the best – and worst – reactions from Down Under.
>The Daily Telegraph
The front page of an Australian daily newspaper is astounding to say the least. «If Eddie Jones is not sacked, the last man still supporting Australian rugby will please turn out the lights,» reads the front page headline next to a picture of Jones in a light bulb.
Tomorrow on the last page @telegraph_sport
Alan Jones: Why Eddie should go «volunteer»: https://t.co/2Sov4KUD6i@JamiePandaram: Rugby threatens to become a sports fan: https http://t.co/0JYGvgiK3G
Julian Linden: Coach dodges questions https://t.co/8XkofIRXFG pic.twitter.com/mtEhsYFtdM
— James Silver (@JamesSilver3) September 25, 2023
“Inept. Shameful. Embarrassing. Call it what you will — Australian rugby's worst nightmare has become a reality, plunging the struggling code into a crisis from which it may never recover.
“Jones inherited an unsuccessful team from a sports organization that had become a laughing stock. . But instead of improving the situation as he promised, he made it worse. Much worse.”
Alan Jones, former Australia coach
“In the interests of talented young players who would like to play rugby, Eddie Jones must now keep his promise, accept our gratitude for his good intentions, but hear that there are better ways to do this job,” he told the Daily. Telegraph.
“If Rugby Australia has any integrity, dignity or care for the rugby family, chairman Hamish McLennan and coach Eddie Jones must leave today.”
Matt Guiteau, former Australia international
“Still in shock from yesterday's result. The players tried very hard, but in my opinion they lacked some experience at some crucial stages.
“Rigid learning curve for this young gaming group. Another opportunity for them to represent our great nation.»
Peter FitzSimons, Sydney Morning Herald
“There have been too many shocking defeats to list over the last 20 years — mostly against the All Blacks and Springboks, although a 3-0 home series defeat to Eddie Jones-coached England. still capable of striking in 2016.
“But that match against Wales in Lyon on Sunday night covered them all. This is the joker in the deck, the one who is superior to everyone else, and the loser takes all.
“For it was not just the loss itself, which was quite shocking. It was the final and complete humiliation of a Wallabies team not strong enough to get out of the weakest group at the World Cup.»
Geoff Parkes, The Roar
«That's where Australian rugby is now; a lot of mediocrity and confusion. A recipe for anyone who has invested money in the game to be angry that their significant investment of money and emotion was wasted by a wasted World Cup cycle.
“It’s Jones’ modus operandi to create things about him; not because it serves an unbridled ego, but because he prefers to take responsibility for everything and not pay attention to his players. He finds the headlines, and the headlines find him. But the failure of this World Cup goes much deeper than Jones' ability as a coach or selector. Or his ability to deflect.”
Jono Lance, former Australian international
“The decisions made a few months ago, and probably most distressingly, the arrogance after they were made and during the tournament, will damage the careers of some young people and send a group of 25-28 year olds overseas who missed out.” /p>Bernard Foley, Australia halfback, left behind by Jones
«It wasn't meant to be!»
David Campese, former Australia international
«A rock bottom for the Wallabies. I predicted it within years after seeing the lack of IQ and rugby skills among grassroots players in Australia, I warned the powers that be, but no one listens.»
After the 40-6 defeat to Wales, it's a total disaster for Australia. Photo: AP/Laurent Cipriani
Meanwhile, the reaction outside Australia was no less horrific.
Jonathan Davies, former Wales midfielder.
“Wales are good today, very tactically astute and effective. Sorry, but this is the worst Australian team I've ever seen.»
Sonny Bill Williams, former New Zealand center
«From a player's point of view, I don't follow the guy sitting in the meeting. with another national team, maybe looking for another job a few days before you get on the plane [for the World Cup].»
Andy Goode, former England midfielder
«The one who sacked Dave Rennie and recruited Eddie Jones «The Wallabies need to go out and take Eddie with them!»
Danny Cipriani, former England midfielder
«Wales played a phenomenal game, a great game. Australia will undoubtedly grow from this experience. I would never rejoice at another person's downfall/hard time. Eddie will either learn or leave.”
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