Eddie Jones loses it in the coaches box as Wallabies frustrations mount
Eddie Jones’ Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup preparations look to be in rag order after a demoralising 34-31 Rugby Championship loss to Argentina at the Commbank Stadium in Sydney.
A last-gasp try to No.8 Juan Martin Gonzalez broke Australian hearts after recalled winger Mark Nawaqanitawase appeared to have saved the Wallabies’ blushes with a 95-metre intercept try with five minutes remaining.
But it was the sight of head coach Jones losing his composure in the coaches box that had some tongues wagging. Clearly enraged by the turn of events, Jones could be seen ripping off his headset and slamming it onto the desk in front of him, revealing the mounting pressure on him to turn the team’s fortunes around.
Alongside him was former England coach Neal Hatley, who tellingly didn’t look up during Jones’ histrionics.
With only games against the All Blacks left, the 62-year-old faces the daunting prospect of taking the Wallabies to France for this year’s global showpiece without a win. The defeat against Argentina marks his second consecutive loss since returning as Wallabies coach, following a crushing 43-12 defeat at the hands of South Africa in the opening match of the Rugby Championship.
With the World Cup looming, Jones and his coaching staff must urgently find solutions to address the team’s shortcomings.
Unhappy Eddie Jones.#AUSvARG pic.twitter.com/T6OxFQpTF5
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) July 15, 2023
Unless Australia can rebound from Saturday night’s defeat and secure victories in at least one of their upcoming Bledisloe Cup clashes against arch-rivals New Zealand, Jones will be heading to the World Cup without a single win under his belt in his second stint as Wallabies coach.
With time running out before the World Cup, the coaching staff now have the task of instilling confidence and belief in the players after what has been a dire start to Jones’ return to the green and gold.
additional reporting AAP
When the BS runs out ..
Hamish didn't look happy either.
I am generally a fan of EJ, but I expected a lot more from the Wallabies in a home game against Argentina. Credit to the Pumas, especially in defense. But the Australians did not look dangerous, and while the intercept try was a nice highlight for them, it was totally against the run of play. Also, giving away a midfield penalty with seconds to go to full time, when you are just a few points ahead, that's not easily forgivable.
Congrats to Argentina.
Yeah, sacking Dave Rennie looks like a masterstroke....