‘We have a young team’: Eddie Jones apologises for Wallabies’ record defeat

With the Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup dream now all but over, coach Eddie Jones has apologised to Australian supporters after Sunday night’s catastrophic 40-6 defeat to Wales in Lyon.

Playing in front of more than 55,000 vibrant fans at OL Stadium, Jones’ Wallabies fell to their seventh loss in eight tests with their worst-ever defeat at a Rugby World Cup.

The Wallabies couldn’t have started the World Cup showdown any worse. Captain David Porecki was penalties after just 14 seconds, and Wales halfback Gareth Davies scored a couple of minutes later.

Two Ben Donaldson penalty goals saw Australia reduce the deficit to one point, but it was all Wales from there. Cymru booked their place in the quarters while the Wallabies’ campaign is likely over.

Having lost to Fiji and now Wales in pool play, Australia are looking at a once unfathomable pool play exit at a Rugby World Cup.

"Firstly, I would just like to apologise to all the Australian supporters,” Jones said on Sunday.

"Our performance was not up to the standard that was required. I apologise for that. I take full responsibility for it. We are disappointed, we have a young team in there very disappointed.

“They tried their hearts out but unfortunately at the moment, we don't have consistency in our play to put pressure on teams like Wales. We do some good things and then fall away. It's very disappointing."

Former Wallaby wing Drew Mitchell was seen in the crowd shaking his head as the pain and frustration of the defeat began to sink in.

This was one of the darkest days in the history of Australian rugby. Fans may have feared that this day would come, but for it to actually be here is gut-wrenching for the Wallabies.

The Wallabies’ post-match results graphic on X has received more than 950 comments and 730 reposts at the time of writing, with many supporters expressing their disappointment.

But coach Jones still believes “I have got the ability to run things around” moving forward, although his future is somewhat uncertain following a report of an interview for the Japan head coach job.

"I think I have got the ability to turn things around. I was hoping we would be able to do it by now but we haven't been able to,” Jones added.

"I take full responsibility, I haven't done a good enough job and I am bloody disappointed about that."