“A car crash in slow motion”
Australia mocks its historic rugby failures
October 9, 2023, 2:02 p.m
For the first time at a Rugby World Cup, Australia has to travel home after the preliminary round. The Wallabies are faced with a shambles of gigantic proportions. Who has to sweep it up is still completely unclear after the worst World Cup.
After the expected end of the historically bad World Cup trip, malicious voices rained down on the Wallabies. “Like a car accident in slow motion that got out of control,” was the cynical verdict of the news portal “The Roar”. The crash landing of the Australian national team in France has finally been perfect since Sunday evening, with the proud rugby nation on the ground.
For the first time, the two-time world champion has to pack his bags after the preliminary round. The emotional and sensational victory of underdog Portugal over rivals Fiji (24:23) didn’t help either. After defeats against the team from the South Pacific and Wales, not only the fans from Down Under had been preparing for the exit for two weeks. With the official confirmation, the Australians are now faced with a shambles – and many agree who is responsible for this. “Thank you Eddie Jones. For the worst World Cup we’ve ever had,” wrote News.com.
The 63-year-old national coach was hired in January as the successor to the dismissed Dave Rennie, but has been unable to give the team any positive impetus since then. Crushing defeats in the World Cup preparations against defending champions South Africa, hosts France and New Zealand caused critical voices to be heard at home even before the start of the tournament.
Coach Jones sorts things out and gets the receipt
Jones also relied on the youngest team in the entire final round and rigorously sorted out seasoned professionals such as former captain Michael Hooper in advance. The inexperienced Wallabies’ lack of self-confidence on the big stage was clearly noticeable.
It remains to be seen whether and how things will continue for Jones. At the beginning of the year he signed a five-year contract to lead Australia strengthened to the home World Cup in 2027. But now “others will have to decide” about his future, said the coach: “I simply stand by the fact that I take full responsibility.” Jones also feels that he “gave the team the opportunity to improve.”
How much Jones really supports a sequel can at least be doubted. According to rumors, he met with those in charge in Japan shortly before the start of the World Cup – a return to the Brave Blossoms is on the cards. With Jones or without: After the car accident, a pile of broken pieces has to be cleaned up.