Eddie Jones, the head coach of Australia, has pledged to protect his players even if it means taking the blame for the Wallabies' disappointing Rugby World Cup campaign.
Following a record defeat to Wales and their first loss to Fiji in nearly seven decades, Australia's chances of advancing to the knockout stages hang by a thread ahead of their final Pool C match against Portugal.
Jones stated, "If there needs to be a fall guy for the World Cup then it's obviously me." He emphasized that taking responsibility is part of his role as head coach and commended his players' dedication, adding, "The playing group has been absolutely fantastic, I couldn't ask any more from them. So, therefore, if there needs to be someone responsible for the performance, that's pretty self-explanatory."
While acknowledging the team's challenging situation, Jones refused to place blame on the players and expressed his commitment to shielding them from criticism. He likened his approach to parenting, stating, "It's a very young team, so I want to protect them at this stage."
Despite the team's struggles, Jones remains determined to make a difference and bring about positive change. He shared his disappointment with the Wallabies' previous performance and his desire to return and enact improvements.
Regarding their efforts to turn things around, Jones mentioned they were exploring various strategies and noted the importance of adapting to find what works.
The Wallabies' flanker, Frasey McReight, acknowledged the slim chances of advancing but emphasised the team's focus on delivering a strong performance against Portugal. Captain David Porecki emphasised the pride at stake for Australia in their upcoming match.
Jones has selected a strong lineup for the game against Portugal, while the Portuguese side, fresh from an 18-18 draw with Georgia, has made several changes in their pack.
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