Wales and Australia meet in a massive Pool C clash tonight.
Ciarán Kennedy Reports from Lyon LYON HAS NO shortage of lovely little pockets to sit back and watch the world go by on the busy little streets along the picturesque old town.
Wales know a win will set them up for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals but for Australia, the fear of falling to a pool stage elimination for the first time ever is very real. Wales currently top the pool with ten points from two games, and play Georgia in their final game. Australia have six points and face Portugal in their pool closer.It’s set to be a fascinating clash between two countries who went against the grain by ripping up their four-year plans last year in a desperate attempt to try inject some life into their teams.Even at the time, Jones’ surprise appointment as Australia boss seemed a strange move.
Jones was typically combative during his pre-match press conference on Friday, stating he has “no doubt” the Wallabies will win in Lyon. In that same press conference, he admitted he has “let Australian rugby down” and might lose his job should they crash out in the pool stages. At the time his appointment was largely greeted with enthusiasm given his previous achievements in the job, but there was no doubt the move came with some risk.
Wales were lucky to win their opening fixture against Fiji, but will be confident of taking down a struggling Australian team who look desperately low of confidence. How sweet it would be for New Zealander Gatland to send his old foe Jones packing, and book their place in the quarter-finals with a game to spare.
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