Former Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock says “the worst thing” the Australian Rugby Federation could do would be to fire coach Eddie Jones, despite the team’s disastrous campaign at the 2023 World Cup. “What Australia can do is suddenly get rid of him and say no, you’re not the best man for the job after six months or something,” Mortlock told the Rugby Union Daily podcast on Monday. from the BBC.
Two-time world champions Australia are on the verge of being eliminated from the group stage of a World Cup for the first time after being beaten 40-6 by Wales on Sunday, following a defeat surprise against Fiji (22-15).
Jones was named coach in January and Australia have lost seven of their eight matches since.
Mortlock described Sunday’s rout as an “absolute disaster” but urged Australian rugby union leaders to back the technician to lead this rejuvenated Wallabies team to the next World Cup, hosted by the Australia in 2027. “As a coach and a leader, he’s unaccountable and that’s what he says,” Mortlock said as Jones came under fire for his choice of ’to exclude more experienced elements.
“I respect him, in every sense of the word, because he takes responsibility for it,” added the former center three-quarter, who played 80 matches for Australia, including 29 as captain, from 2000 to 2009.
During his first stint at the helm of the Wallabies between 2001 and 2005, Jones allowed them to play in the 2003 World Cup final lost to England (20-17). After the defeat to Wales in Lyon, the former Japan and England manager apologized for the result, while clumsily denying Australian media reports that he was tempted by a return to management of the Japanese selection at the end of the World Cup.