Eddie Jones has ‘stepped up’ for Australia ahead of crunch World Cup clash

Eddie Jones has “stepped up even more” in the build-up to Australia’s crucial Rugby World Cup encounter against Wales, according to Wallabies attack coach Jason Ryles.

After suffering a 22-15 defeat to Fiji in Saint Etienne last weekend, the Wallabies must beat Wales to advance to the quarter-finals – a feat they have achieved on all nine of their previous Rugby World Cup appearances since the inaugural tournament in 1987.

Speculation over Jones’ future

Australia’s struggles have also led to speculation that Jones could quit his current role and head elsewhere after the global showpiece in France.

But Ryles said: “It’s one of those things where he hasn’t said anything to us, obviously.

“Just basically, ‘watch this space’ because there is a big job ahead for the next four years with the Wallabies, which he has started already and got some pretty good foundations down.

“To walk away from that would be a bit of a surprise because there are a lot of green shoots there for the future.

“Eddie has been great. This week, he has stepped up even more in regards to being really clear on what he wants and what he expects from Wales and how we can negate that and possibly attack their strengths.

“As far as the coaching cohesion inside the coaches’ meetings and that type of thing, it has been very productive, and we are sticking to our process.”

Fierce criticism from former Wallabies

Jones and the Wallabies have received fierce criticism from several former Australia internationals on topics like performance and selection.

But Ryles added: “The criticism back home? Honestly, we are in a good bubble over here.

“I think Eddie has dealt with all of that, by the sound of it.”

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