‘We’re in a lot of trouble’ – Former Wallaby concerned by Eddie Jones’ selection call
Carter Gordon playing for the Wallabies against France in Rugby World Cup warm-up.
Former Australian international Greg Martin believes that history is not on the Wallabies’ side going into the Rugby World Cup.
Every winning team in the nine previous tournaments have had a reliable goal-kicker, but Eddie Jones’ men have struggled in that department.
The head coach has placed his trust in youngster Carter Gordon, with the 22-year-old the only out-and-out fly-half in the 33-man squad.
Ben Donaldson is there as backup, but the likes of Quade Cooper and Bernard Foley have missed out on the tournament in France.
Kicking issues against Les Bleus
It is a bold move, but it could be a costly one for the Wallabies, especially judging by their final World Cup warm-up.
Gordon faltered off the tee and could not find his range as they succumbed to the tournament hosts 41-17 in Paris.
“For all his (Jones) intelligence and rugby nous at Rugby World Cups, oops we forgot to pick a goal-kicker. We all know the history of the nine World Cups; every team had a magnificent fly-half and goal-kicker,” Martin said on The Platform.
“We’ve got a 22-year-old that can’t kick; we’re in a lot of trouble.”
Australia have yet to win this year, with the team currently zero from five since Jones took the reins following Dave Rennie’s sacking.
Easier draw
The only solace comes in the form of the World Cup draw, which sees them avoid the top teams until at least the semi-final stage, providing they get there.
“Australia actually has the best group at the World Cup; you’re probably aware of that,” he said.
“As long as we can beat Fiji, and Georgia and Wales, even Australia should be able to beat them, (then) we’re in the quarters, and we’ll play England and we might win that.
“We could find ourselves in the semis; it’s possible! Eddie could pull this off.”
Martin added: “You never know, and that’s the beauty. Footy, before it starts, offers hope to all of us.
“We can dream, and we can believe that something strange could happen, and it could.”
READ MORE: Eddie Jones explains his rant at media in ‘worst press conference ever’
