SAINT-ETIENNE: The Wallabies have saved their slim Rugby World Cup hopes alive with a 34-14 win over Portugal in Saint-Etienne.
The 5 factors banked sees Australia leap Fiji into second place in Pool C however Fiji will advance to the quarter-finals in the event that they decide up a degree or extra of their closing pool conflict towards Portugal subsequent Monday (AEDT).
If they do not win in a match they’re going to be closely favoured in, Fiji can get that bonus level by scoring 4 or extra tries or dropping by seven factors or much less.
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Wales (3-0) have already certified for the quarter-finals.
Australia scored 5 tries and at one stage have been lowered to 13 males in an entertaining conflict in entrance of a bumper crowd at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.
“The faintest of pulses however the Wallabies have revived their Rugby World Cup hopes. Possibly, simply possibly,” Sean Maloney stated on Stan Sport.
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Wallabies coach Eddie Jones was understandably a relieved man.
“We’re nonetheless alive. That was the goal of the day,” Jones stated.
“For a younger workforce all the way down to 13 males we confirmed loads of braveness and fought exhausting. We have finished that every one season, typically the outcomes have not been in our favour…effectively, more often than not.
“It is an actual credit score to them. You take a look at the expertise of our gamers on the market, we’re averaging lower than 20 caps.”
It was solely Australia’s second win of the season underneath Jones as they end pool play with a 2-2 report.
With no sport to organize for this weekend, Jones will permit his gamers a while off.
“I’ve by no means skilled this earlier than so I actually do not know.” Jones stated when requested how he would put together.
“We have been anticipating we would be within the quarter-finals so we have now plans to have three days off after which three days coaching.
“We’ll see on Sunday night time (native time). Portugal performed with loads of spirit tonight so that you by no means know.”
Portugal shocked the Wallabies with the opening strive however Australia’s forwards seized management with three tries whereas Os Lobos have been lowered to 14 males within the first half.
“I assumed defensively we labored actually exhausting,” Jones stated.
“Assault-wise we had bits and items. We nonetheless lack that scientific edge to our sport. We do some good issues after which we give the ball again too rapidly.”
