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'Potential candidate' lined up as attack coach walks out on Wallabies

By Ian Cameron
Australia's head coach Eddie Jones (L) looks on during training session in Sydney on July 14, 2023, ahead of their Rugby Championship match against Argentina. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images)

The Wallabies are dealing with a last-minute re-shuffle in its coaching staff as attack coach Brad Davis exited the camp just three weeks out from the Rugby World Cup in France.

The Roar broke the story and Jones then confirmed it as the Wallabies departed Australia for the Rugby World Cup.

Davis cited "personal reasons" for his sudden exit, sparking speculation that his departure might be linked to working alongside the infamously demanding and difficult Jones.

Davis, who was appointed to the role in May, leaves behind a team that are struggling to mount a credible warm-up campaign ahead of the tournament in France, having failed to win a single game the year to date.

Jones assured the media at Sydney Airport that preparations for the Rugby World Cup would continue unhindered, revealing the existence of a "potential candidate" for the suddenly vacant position.

"We have a potential candidate ready to step up now," said Jones, before getting a dig in on Davis, saying "As I said, I think we will improve the coaching staff." He said the exit came about as part of a 'discussion' between the pair, although he didn't elaborate any further.

One thing is for sure, the new attack coach will not be Scott Wisemantel.

"No," said Jones, when asked about his former England attack coach. "I have spoken to Scott, but he is not available."

The England coaching ticket was often referred to as a veritable revolving door at Twickenham while Jones was at the helm, with the tough-nut Aussie coach parting ways with multiple coaches between 2016 and 2022. The likes of John Mitchell, Paul Gustard, Steve Borthwick, Neal Hatley, Sam Vesty, Glen Ella, Rory Teague, Scott Wisemantel, Simon Amor, Jason Ryles and Anthony Siebold all came and went under Jones.

The Wallabies face France on August 27th at Stade de France as they prepare for Wales, Fiji, Georgia and Portugal in Pool C of the Rugby World Cup, the Lelos first up.