‘Really powerful’ Wallabies show potential for the future
When the Wallabies announced their 33-man roster for the Rugby World Cup in France, coach Eddie Jones stunned almost everyone. As coach Jones selected a youthful team full of potential, there was no place for former captain Michael Hooper or veteran Quade Cooper.
On August 10, Will Skelton was selected the newest captain of the Australian rugby team, the towering lock chosen to head an inexperienced squad that comprised only one flyhalf.
Only eight of the 33 players chosen for the elite squad had previously competed in a Rugby World Cup. There were also a few players who have worn Wallaby gold on less than ten times.
Coach Jones assembled the group with a gold medal in mind, but their World Cup campaign could not have gone any better.
The Wallabies defeated Georgia in their tournament opener before falling to Fiji and Wales, thereby ending their season. They need Portugal to perform a rugby miracle in Toulouse on Sunday to prevent a first-ever pool stage departure at the world’s biggest sporting event.
However, assistant coach Dan Palmer believes that the “core of this group” can help the Wallabies grow ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Australia in four years.
“They’re planning ahead. It’s a young squad, and if we can maintain the core of this group together, they have the potential to be a really great Wallabies team.
“We’re all disappointed with how the first few weeks have gone here, but I’m sure they’ll be looking forward to putting some better performances on the pitch.”
“However, they remain focused on the task at hand.” We are not yet completely out of this competition.”
The Wallabies’ form in 2023 has been nothing short of terrible under coach Eddie Jones. If the Wallabies do not advance to the quarterfinals, they will conclude the year with only two victories from nine games.
However, if Portugal defeats Fiji by at least eight points in the tournament’s final group game this Saturday, the Wallabies will live to fight another day.
The Wallabies are currently on a bye week and will have three days off starting Monday, with some players even flying up to Lyon. However, by the time Sunday evening arrives, Australian supporters and the rugby world as a whole will be filled with excitement, mystery, and expectation.
“The disappointment is that we haven’t been able to control our own destiny.” You want to manage your own fate in a pool stage, and we haven’t done that. “As I’ve said, I take full responsibility,” coach Eddie Jones said following the 34-14 victory against Portugal.
What makes me happy? When I look at the group and see how many players have progressed individually, I am really delighted. Many of these guys, like this squad, have bright futures.
“If we keep sticking at it, keep working hard, keep focusing on what’s important then we will be a good team and won’t have this sombreness that’s around Australian rugby at the moment.”
