Critics bail in on Eddie Jones after latest Wallabies flop
Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones finds himself under intense scrutiny as his Australian team endured a nightmare Bledisloe Cup clash at the MCG, resulting in their third consecutive defeat under his charge.
The largest Aussie rugby union crowd in over two decades turned up with high hopes, but the Wallabies left their fans disappointed, going down 38-7 to the dominant All Blacks.
The Wallabies’ woes began in the first half, as two late tries from New Zealand gave them a 19-7 advantage at the break. However, the real damage came in the second half when the visitors added three more tries in a blistering eight-minute period, putting the game firmly out of Australia’s reach.
Critics have been quick to voice their concerns about the Wallabies’ performances under Jones. The team’s defensive frailties and disciplinary issues have been a cause for alarm for some. Sloppy defence and poor discipline once again cost them dearly against the All Blacks, leaving the coaching staff with much to address.
The night was made even more devastating for the Wallabies as star prop Allan Alaalatoa suffered a ruptured Achilles and was stretchered off the field in the 37th minute. This injury rules him out of the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France, dealing a significant blow to the team’s prospects.
Amidst the disappointment, former players and pundits have not held back in their criticism of Jones. Andy Goode, the former England flyhalf stated that the former England boss has taken the Wallabies backwards at an alarming rate, and questioned the decision to sack previous coach Dave Rennie.
“Eddie Jones has taken the Wallabies backwards quicker than I used to run to the buffet! Whoever sacked Dave Rennie at Australian Rugby needs sacking for being inept at their job!” The outspoken RugbyPass columnist said that Rennie had been ‘replaced by a clown’.
Former Scotland flyhalf Ruaridh Jackson sarcastically suggested: “Looks like Australia’s decision to get rid of Rennie for Eddie Jones is going well!”
Ben Darwin, a former Wallabies prop, expressed his concern prior to the game by comparing the team’s situation to a bride trying to organize a wedding in a moving car. “It feels like Eddie Jones is the bride trying to organise a wedding in the car on the way to the wedding.”
Martin Gillingham highlighted the team’s lacklustre display, using their shirt sponsor as a metaphor for their softness on the field. He directly questioned Eddie Jones on Twitter, mockingly demanding answers for the team’s underwhelming showing. “Now the Wallabies have melted. They’re as soft as the centre of a Cadbury Crème Egg. Rarely has a rugby team’s shirt sponsor been so apt. Eddie Jones, what do you have to say about this performance …mate?”
Earlier in the week former Wallabies coach John Connolly tore into Jones in an interview with The Telegraph. “How did we end up with Eddie again? He is full of it. He talks a great game but plays a terrible one… He is a charlatan, he is a failed selector. He was the captain’s pick by the chairman who just came into the job.”
In stark contrast to the Wallabies’ struggles, the All Blacks continue to assert their dominance, remaining unbeaten and securing the Rugby Championship with their commanding performance.
As the pressure mounts on Eddie Jones, he faces the daunting task of reviving the Wallabies’ fortunes and regain their footing in the international rugby arena. If he doesn’t a harrowing Rugby World Cup beckons for the beleaguered Wallabies.