Under pressure Australia need to get a big win over Portugal if they are to keep World Cup hopes alive.
Australia come into this game with their worst World Cup campaign so far, despite starting off with a win over Georgia it has gone downhill since then with a loss to Fiji and getting thrashed by Wales, their biggest loss ever to the Red Dragons and in a World Cup.
This could potentially be Eddie Jones’ last game for the Wallabies as rumours appear saying that he’ll be replacing Jamie Joseph as head coach for Japan despite Jones signing with Australia until the Rugby World Cup 2027.
Jones said: “I don’t know what you’re talking about.
“I am 100% committed to coaching Australia.”
This is a must win game for Australia, a bonus point win would put them back into the top 2 of their pool and then they will need Portugal to beat Fiji by 8 points or more if they are to secure a quarter final place.
Jones in yesterday’s press conference said: “It’s been a tough old week, so we trained the day after the (Wales) game because we wanted to get back out on the field with young players who wanted to get their thoughts in their heads on how we wanted to play against Portugal.
“We have got a clear plan on how we like to play against Portugal and the players responded really well.”
Portugal are looking to cause a big upset in their very first encounter against Australia in test rugby. Despite not winning any games they have impressed in this World Cup giving Wales a scare and drawing with Georgia which is better than their last World Cup run in 2007. Some fans think Portugal can beat the Wallabies.
Patrice Lagisquet said: “It’s fantastic to hear everyone say, ‘Do you think you can win?
“But don’t forget we are the 16th nation in the ranking and will play a team used to playing at a higher level with very good players and a very good coach.”
