Why Jason Ryles expects Eddie Jones to stay on as Wallabies coach

Australia assistant coach Jason Ryles says Wallabies boss Eddie Jones has “stepped up even more” this week ahead of a Rugby World Cup showdown against Wales.

Jones’ team have to beat Wales in their quest for a 10th successive quarter-final appearance – a stark scenario created by their 22-15 loss to Fiji last weekend.

Australia’s struggles have also led to speculation that former England head coach Jones could head elsewhere after the tournament.

But Ryles said: “It’s one of those things where he hasn’t said anything to us, obviously.

“Just basically, ‘watch this space’ because there is a big job ahead for the next four years with the Wallabies, which he has started already and got some pretty good foundations down.

“To walk away from that would be a bit of a surprise because there are a lot of green shoots there for the future.

“Eddie has been great. This week he has stepped up even more, in regards to being really clear on what he wants and what he expects from Wales and how we can negate that and possibly attack their strengths.

“As far as the coaching cohesion inside the coaches’ meetings and that type of thing it has been very productive, and we are sticking to our process.”

Jones and the Wallabies have come in for fierce criticism from several former Australia internationals on issues like performance and selection.

But Ryles added: “The criticism back home? Honestly, we are in a good bubble over here.

“I think Eddie has dealt with all of that, by the sound of it.”