Jones Confident of World Cup Win

Australian Coach Eddie Jones took full responsibility for the Wallabies’ woes but insisted his players can defend their Rugby World Cup crown.

Australian Coach Eddie Jones took full responsibility for the Wallabies’ woes but insisted his players can defend their Rugby World Cup crown.

Jones said Australia’s campaign is still on track despite Saturday’s crushing 50-21 Tri-Nations loss to the All Blacks in Sydney, his team’s third consecutive defeat.

“If you read everything, it’s the end of the world,” Jones told a Brisbane business breakfast today.

“Sometimes over the last couple of days it feels like the end of the world.

“But it’s never as bad as it seems to be.

“We’ve got a hell of a lot of work to do, there’s no doubt about it.

“I’m not looking for any sort of excuses here, I take full responsibility for everything that’s happened this season.”

Jones stuck by his players despite calls for captain George Gregan and some other team veterans to be dumped as part of an overhaul of the world champions.

He hinted at minor changes for Saturday night’s clash with the Springboks at Suncorp Stadium but said the Wallabies have capable personnel.

“The game against New Zealand was close to the strongest squad we’ve had to select for and was the first time that combination had played together,” said Jones.

“We’re looking to get some stability in selection now.

“We believe we’ve got the best players.”

Jones refused to directly address a scathing attack from former Wallabies coach Alan Jones but said critics are entitled to their opinion.

The Wallabies must beat the Springboks to avoid falling to their fourth consecutive loss for the first time in 21 years.