'We're the ones out there': Wallabies go in to bat for under-siege Eddie ahead of must-win World Cup clash

SAINT ETIENNE – As the heat turns on Eddie Jones ahead of the Wallabies’ must-win clash against Wales, Richie Arnold says the playing group has gone in to bat for their under-siege coach.

After being parachuted into the head coaching role at the start of the year and farewelling several experienced players, including Michael Hooper and Quade Cooper, Jones has managed just one win from seven Tests since taking over from Dave Rennie.

But after leaving Australia winless from four Tests, the Wallabies’ World Cup hopes took a major blow when they lost to Fiji for the first time in 69 years.

The Wallabies react following their loss to Fiji at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on September 17, 2023 in Saint-Etienne. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

The 22-15 defeat means the Wallabies must beat Wales, and possibly do so by a bonus point, to ensure they don’t miss out on qualifying for the knockout stages for the first time in 10 editions of the tournament.

Jones lamented his side’s flat start, which wasn’t helped by the absence of Taniela Tupou and Will Skelton, where the Wallabies struggled to contain Fiji’s physicality and were smashed at the breakdown.

Asked what message he had for supporters back home, Jones quipped that he should have baguettes thrown at him following the humbling defeat, as he took ownership for the defeat.

“Get ready for Wales,” he said.

“I don’t coach the fans. I appreciate all their support, we are doing our absolute best and I apologise it’s my fault. I take full responsibility for it.”

Former captain James Slipper said “of course” the playing group had to take responsibility for the result, while Arnold said it wasn’t his coach taking the field.

“Nar, not really, no,” Arnold responded after he was asked whether it was fair that Jones was taking the blame.

“It comes down to the players.

“We have to review the game individually and have a look at our games.

“It’s down to the players at the end of the day. He can prep us the best as possible, but we’re the ones out there doing the job.”

The Wallabies will be without Will Skelton against Wales after his training mishap. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Arnold, who was promoted back to the starting side following Skelton’s injury blow, played his part in a strong lineout as he and Nick Frost went to town on Fiji’s attacking throw.

But Arnold’s discipline hurt the Wallabies too, as he was found for being on the wrong side of the breakdown once and gave away penalties for being offside.

Arnold said Skelton’s absence had been felt, but said the wider group wasn’t going to “kick stones” after his injury blow and the defeat.

“Willy’s a big man, he dent’s the line pretty hard there when he carries,” the Toulouse-based lock said.

“Then obviously his presence around the park we missed that a bit, too. And his captaincy. But I thought Porky [Dave Porecki] did a really good job.

“At the end of the day, we can’t kick stones too long. We’ve just got to get on with it. It makes it easy for us next week, we must win. And that’s it. It’s as easy at that.”

Slipper, who is playing in his fourth World Cup campaign, pointed to the fact the Wallabies made the 2011 semi-final and 2019 quarter-final despite pool defeats and said that the equation was simple and they would be ready to take on their familiar foes Wales in Lyon on Sunday (Monday, 5am AEST).

“Everyone is disappointed. Whenever you lose a game, even outside the World Cup, you’re disappointed. So coaches and players are just the same, we were all feeling it,” he said.

“We were calm and measured in the changeroom. We know what’s coming. It’s another big game against Wales now. You can kick stones for half an hour or so, but now it’s about getting better.

“It’s not the first time I’ve lost in a pool stage either. These things happen.

“The important thing is it’s all about the next game. You say that when you win, you say that when you lose. I know that’s a pretty boring line to use, but at the end of the day, that’s what is important, the Wales game.

“One thing I know about these boys is that they’ll bounce back. They’ll be ready to go.”