Rugby World Cup: Eddie Jones Affirms His Unwavering Commitment to Australia Ahead of Portugal Clash
As the 2023 Rugby World Cup unfolds, Eddie Jones, the man at the helm of Australia’s rugby squad, has made a resounding declaration – he’s “100% committed” to his role as head coach. With the specter of an early World Cup exit looming, this statement carries significant weight.
On Sunday, the Wallabies are slated to take on Portugal at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, and Jones has unveiled his “best 23” for this crucial Pool C encounter. However, the stakes are high for Australia. If Fiji manages to triumph over Georgia with a bonus point on Saturday, the Wallabies will be unceremoniously booted from the tournament in the pool stages for the very first time, even before they face Portugal.
Reflecting on the challenging week leading up to this pivotal moment, Jones spoke candidly: “Obviously it’s been a tough old week. There is no lack of desire, no lack of work ethic, no lack of spirit in the team. They are a great bunch of boys. We are just not good enough at the moment, but if we keep working the way we are, we will be.”
Jones, who previously served as England’s head coach, took the reins of Australia in January. However, his tenure thus far has been marked by seven losses out of eight matches. The Australian team commenced their World Cup journey with a convincing victory over Georgia, but they were subsequently defeated 22-15 by Fiji and endured a record-breaking 40-6 loss to Wales.
Yet, Jones remains steadfast in his dedication to the task at hand. He emphasized, “It’s not really about me, it is about the team. My only job is to get the team prepared as well as I can. I am 100% committed to the job. I love coaching and I love the challenge. That’s the reason I came back to Australia, because I wanted to make a difference.”
In a bid to turn the tide, Jones has made changes, reshuffling the lineup by bringing in Izaia Perese and Lalakai Foketi to replace Samu Kerevi and Jordan Petaia in the centers. Fraser McReight returns to the back row at openside, while Tom Hooper shifts to blindside, with Rob Leota taking a place on the bench.
James Slipper, the prop, is poised to make Australian rugby history by earning his 21st World Cup appearance, surpassing the record set by former scrum-half George Gregan 16 years ago. Jones justified his selections, stating, “I’ve always gone into every World Cup where you pick the best 23 for each game, and this is the best 23.”
Jones, a seasoned World Cup campaigner, led England to the final in 2019 and also guided Australia to a home final in 2003. The Wallabies, with two World Cup titles under their belt (in 1991 and 1999), are no strangers to the pressure of the global stage.
Jones concluded with an admirable display of accountability: “If there needs to be a fall guy for the World Cup, then it is obviously me. When you become a head coach for a team, you take on that responsibility. The playing group has been absolutely fantastic, I couldn’t ask any more from them. So, therefore if there needs to be someone responsible for the performance, it’s me.”
As the Australian team prepares to face Portugal, the rugby world watches with bated breath to see if Eddie Jones can rally his squad and keep their World Cup dreams alive. The pressure is on, and the journey ahead promises to be nothing short of gripping for fans and enthusiasts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Eddie Jones’ Commitment to Australia
Q: What is the significance of Eddie Jones’ commitment to Australia mentioned in the text?
A: Eddie Jones, the head coach of the Australian rugby team, is declaring his unwavering dedication to his role amidst the 2023 Rugby World Cup. This commitment is crucial because the Australian team faces the possibility of an early World Cup exit, and Jones’ leadership is being closely scrutinized in the face of challenging results.
Q: What is the outcome Australia is hoping for in their match against Portugal?
A: Australia is hoping for a victory in their match against Portugal. However, their fate in the tournament also depends on the outcome of a match between Fiji and Georgia. If Fiji beats Georgia with a bonus point, Australia could be eliminated from the World Cup even before playing Portugal.
Q: How has Eddie Jones’ tenure as Australia’s head coach been so far?
A: Eddie Jones’ tenure as head coach of Australia has been challenging. He has overseen the team in eight matches, but the team has suffered seven losses during this period. This has put significant pressure on him and his coaching staff.
Q: Can you explain the changes made to the Australian lineup mentioned in the text?
A: Eddie Jones has made several changes to the Australian lineup. In the centers, Izaia Perese and Lalakai Foketi have been brought in to replace Samu Kerevi and Jordan Petaia. Additionally, Fraser McReight returns to the back row at openside, while Tom Hooper shifts to the blindside position, and Rob Leota is placed on the bench.
Q: What records are being set by James Slipper in the context of this text?
A: James Slipper, the prop for the Australian team, is on the verge of setting a record. He is poised to make his 21st World Cup appearance, which would surpass the previous record held by former scrum-half George Gregan for 16 years.
Q: How has Eddie Jones’ coaching career been at previous Rugby World Cups?
A: Eddie Jones has a notable coaching history in Rugby World Cups. He led England to the World Cup final in 2019 and previously guided Australia to a home final in 2003. His experience in these tournaments adds to the expectations surrounding his performance as Australia’s head coach in the 2023 World Cup.
Q: Why does Eddie Jones take full responsibility for the team’s performance, as mentioned in the text?
A: Eddie Jones acknowledges that, as a head coach, he bears the responsibility for the team’s performance. Even though he values the dedication and efforts of the players, he believes that ultimate responsibility for the team’s performance rests with him, especially if there are unfavorable outcomes.
More about Eddie Jones’ Commitment to Australia
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2023 Rugby World Cup: Official website for the Rugby World Cup, providing comprehensive information about the tournament.
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BBC Sport: The BBC’s sports coverage, including live commentary and text updates on rugby matches, as mentioned in the text.
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Eddie Jones: Information about Eddie Jones, his coaching career, and his role as the head coach of the Australian rugby team.
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Australian Rugby: The official website for Australian rugby, offering insights into the national team’s performance and news related to the sport in Australia.
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Rugby World Cup Records: Details about records and statistics in Rugby World Cup history, including player appearances and achievements.
