The Rugby World Cup knockout stage has started early for Australia. On the back foot after a loss to Fiji, the Australians cannot afford to lose their third pool game — against Wales in Lyon — otherwise they'll likely be heading for their earliest-ever exit from the tournament.
Team Australia - The Canadian PressThe Rugby World Cup knockout stage has started early for Australia.
Self-introspection has gripped a proud rugby nation, which has been at a low ebb for years and is wondering whether it really was the best idea to turn in January to charismatic coach Eddie Jones to lead the Wallabies into the World Cup. As for the Welsh, they have some leeway — but not too much — after opening with a tight win over Fiji. Lose to Australia and the pool's big three will have beaten each other, meaning their results and bonus points gained against Portugal and Georgia will determine which two teams advance.In the other match on Sunday, Scotland and Tonga meet in Nice and get their second run-outs of the tournament after making losing starts.
Their likeness even extends to the way they both parachuted in coaching greats with less than a year to go to the tournament in a sign of desperation. Jones and Warren Gatland have been around the block and have thrived on these big stages, which means this game is even harder to call. Gatland is going with the same 15 who battled to a 32-26 victory over Fiji then were mostly rested in the win against Portugal where a potentially crucial bonus point was sealed very late.Scotland handed out a 60-14 beating of Tonga during the pandemic two years ago, and won the same fixture 41-5 in their only World Cup meeting back in 1995.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australia under huge pressure in Rugby World Cup match with Wales. Scotland, Tonga look to reboundThe Rugby World Cup knockout stage has started early for Australia.
Read more »
Australia under huge pressure in Rugby World Cup match with Wales. Scotland, Tonga look to reboundThe Rugby World Cup knockout stage has started early for Australia.
Read more »
Australia under huge pressure in Rugby World Cup match with Wales. Scotland, Tonga look to reboundThe Rugby World Cup knockout stage has started early for Australia.
Read more »
Desperation marks Wales and Wallabies pivotal Rugby World Cup matchLYON, France — If Australia or Wales were better than mediocre, their pivotal Rugby World Cup pool match on Sunday in Lyon would be easier to call.
Read more »
Desperation marks Wales and Wallabies pivotal Rugby World Cup matchLYON, France — If Australia or Wales were better than mediocre, their pivotal Rugby World Cup pool match on Sunday in Lyon would be easier to call.
Read more »
Desperation marks Wales and Wallabies pivotal Rugby World Cup matchLYON, France — If Australia or Wales were better than mediocre, their pivotal Rugby World Cup pool match on Sunday in Lyon would be easier to call.
Read more »