World Cup: Australia boss Jones urges players to show fight against Wales

Australia head coach Eddie Jones called on his players to show their resilience and emerge victorious from Sunday's crucial Group C game against Wales in Lyon.

Australia, who face a do-or-die game against Wales, held an on-field inquest following the defeat against Fiji in Saint-Etienne on 17 September. AP - Laurent Cipriani

Australian sides have won two of the nine rugby union World Cups but the team faces elimination should they lose for a second time in the pool stages following their defeat to Fiji last Sunday in Saint-Etienne.

"We were always going to get this kind of game at some stage," said Jones ahead of the clash at the Groupama Stadium.

"It’s come a little bit earlier than we thought it would, so we've got an opportunity to show whether we can fight and get the result we need to get. I’m confident we can."

Australia were expected to be heading into the match against Wales for a tussle over top spot in the pool.

Shock

Instead they have had to digest the shock of Fiji's success and their own shortcomings.

"I’ve been impressed how the young team has bounced back," added Jones.

"Last week was a difficult game for us and we’ve bounced back really well so we’ll go out there and give it a red-hot go."

Wales boss Warren Gatland said he expected Australia to be direct.

"They're always tough," he added. "In recent games between Australia and Wales there has never been much in it. They’re not going to lie down and roll over for us. It's going to be pretty close and I think it's going to come down to the wire."

Progress

Following a thrilling win over Fiji and a romp past Portugal, success over Australia will take Wales into the quarter-finals for the fourth tournament on the trot.

"There's been lots of stuff to work on in the performances but as far as results are concerned we couldn't have asked for more," said Wales forward Will Rowlands.

"There's so much at stake for both teams," he added. "Australia are a dangerous team to play. They are one of the big rugby nations for a reason but we're confident if we play how we want to play, we can get the right result."

On Satuday in Group C, Georgia and Portugal drew 18-18 in Toulouse to remain fourth and fith respectively in the pool.

Prospects

Fiji resume their campaign next Saturday against Georgia in Bordeaux and finish it against Portugal in Toulouse on 8 October.

Following their 22-15 win over Australia and narrow loss to Wales, they will be confident of advancing to the last eight at the World Cup for the first time since 2007.

Australia forward Richie Arnold added: "We as players have to take responsibility too. When you wear that gold jersey, there is a responsibility to the group and the country.

"We are all hurting and we didn't put a performance we were happy with against Fiji. We are looking to nullify that against Wales."