Struggling Wallabies ‘building’ under Eddie Jones ahead of Rugby World Cup

The All Blacks are all but unbackable favourites to continue the Wallabies’ poor run of form under Eddie Jones.

Wallabies hooker Dave Porecki says his side is ‘building’ under Eddie Jones. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

The struggling Wallabies aren’t interested in defying the odds on Saturday against the All Blacks, instead wanting to “build” ahead of next month’s Rugby World Cup.

Having lost three successive Tests in a poor start to Eddie Jones’ second tenure as national coach, the Wallabies are rank $10 outsiders to beat New Zealand in Dunedin.

Some betting agencies have the All Blacks as short as $1.01 to win and condemn the Wallabies to yet another loss in New Zealand.

The Australians have not beaten the All Blacks on Kiwi soil since 2001.

However, Wallabies hooker Dave Porecki said New Zealand’s rank favouritism meant nothing to his side.

“We’re looking to build this week, and what the odds are, the odds are,” Porecki said.

“I’m not a betting man.”

'David Porecki (left) is tackled during Australia’s loss to New Zealand at the MCG. Picture: Martin KEEP / AFP

And if he was, Porecki would be taking a big gamble to back a Wallabies side yet to fire under Jones.

Beaten 38-7 by the New Zealanders at the MCG last Saturday night, the Wallabies are fast running out of time – and matches – to fix their problems before their World Cup campaign starts on September 10 against Georgia.

After this weekend’s Bledisloe Cup clash, the Wallabies have just one more match – against World Cup hosts France in Paris on August 28 – before their battle with the Georgians.

“While we’re frustrated with the result (in Melbourne), we are building in the right direction and there are elements in our game that we are happy with, but against a team like the All Blacks you need to stay in it for 80 minutes,” Porecki said.

“For us this week, that’s our main focus – Turn that first half, first 30 minutes, into a longer period of play.

“We’ve shown what we’re capable of as a team. and it’s exciting for us.”

The Wallabies will have to get the job done this weekend, and during the World Cup, without prop Allan Alaalatoa, who will be sidelined for several months after rupturing his Achilles in Melbourne.

“He’s one of the great men within us that drives everyone to be better and drive standards, so obviously it’s a huge loss,” Porecki said of Alaalatoa.

“It was gutting being out there with him when he got injured, but I know he’ll come back bigger and better.

“He’s already helping us and helping the leadership group, and he’ll play a pretty pivotal role getting through his rehab and touching base.

“He is the binding figure within our group, I believe.”