- Jones confident of win over Wales
- Gatland’s side lead Pool C
- Aussies face pool stage elimination for first time
Australia coach Eddie Jones, exudes confidence ahead of the pivotal World Cup match against Wales in Lyon. After a 22-15 loss to Fiji, the Wallabies find themselves on the precipice of potential elimination from the World Cup pool stage for the first time should they be defeated by Wales.
Jones displays huge confidence in Wallabies
Warren Gatland’s Welsh side currently leads Pool C with impressive maximum bonus-point victories against Fiji and Portugal. Nevertheless, Jones remains resolute in his outlook.
Addressing the media in Lyon, Jones conducted a characteristically spirited press conference, engaging in verbal exchanges with journalists and even punctuating his points with a table thump while fervently discussing his coaching vision.
Furthermore, Jones firmly asserts his belief in the Wallabies’ potential to claim the World Cup title. “The way the team’s prepared and come together, I’ve got no doubt we’ll win on Sunday,” he stated emphatically.
He also acknowledged the significance of the impending match against Wales. “If we beat Wales on Sunday we’re alive and that’s all we’ve got to be. We were always going to get this game at some stage, it’s just come a little bit earlier than we thought it would.
“We’ve got an opportunity to show whether we can fight and grind out to get the result we need. I’m confident we can.”
Betting Implications
Many pundits feel that the match could go either way, and the bookies agree. Wales are slight favourites, bet365, at the time of writing, have them priced at 20/21 with Australia at evens and a draw 18/1. As far as lifting the trophy is concerned Australia are considered to be an outside bet, BoyleSports offering 33/1.
Punters need to look at Australia’s recent matches along with Jones’ past record to decide whether they feel that the experienced coach can turn things around.
Check out the UK’s best Rugby World Cup betting sites and the best rugby union betting sites at Betting.com.