Rugby World Cup 2023: Wallabies coaching shake-up, England tipped to strugle, Israel Folau injury

The Wallabies left Australia for the World Cup with little expectation. But faltering form of their main rivals has given rise to hope, as the world reacts to Eddie Jones’ latest coaching hire.

Australia’s rugby team head coach Eddie Jones speaks to media at the Sydney International Airport on August 17, 2023, as the team prepares to depart for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. (Photo by David GRAY / AFP) / – IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE –

Australia’s main World Cup rivals are basket cases, a former All Blacks coach has joined the Wallabies in camp, and Israel Folau’s hopes of representing Tonga at the tournament have been dashed.

Just over two weeks out from the start of the World Cup in France, there are no shortage of weird and wacky developments, and it seems Eddie Jones’ team might not be so woeful after all.

While they were blessed to be in the easiest pool, the recent form of their main rivals Wales has only increased talk that Australia will top their group, while their likely quarter-final opponents England are being hammered by their own media for poor performances.

Jones, who was sacked by England at the end of last year, was replaced by Steve Borthwick, who has failed to improve the team.

So much so that England legend Brian Moore, among others, have declared their team won’t advance past the pool stages.

England is in the same pool as Michael Cheika’s Argentina, Japan, Samoa and Chile.

The Pumas are a strong chance of knocking off England, and Japan are now World Cup upset experts.

England head coach Steve Borthwick is under pressure heading into the World Cup. Picture: AFP

For the Wallabies, winless in four Tests in 2023 under Jones, the path to a semi-final is suddenly looking brighter.

Wales, under coach Warren Gatland, were hammered by a record 52-16 by South Africa last weekend and were beaten by England the week before.

Fiji, Australia’s other main pool rival, lost 34-17 to France last weekend.

If form holds true, Australia should be able to top their group at the World Cup.

They may potentially be helped in that quest by former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, who has joined Wallabies camp this week to observe training at the request of Jones, stunning his former players.

Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones (R) during his team as England boss, with New Zealand's Steve Hansen in the background. Picture: AFP

All Blacks hooker Dane Coles was visibly shocked when told by Kiwi media that “Shag” Hansen was camped with the Wallabies – who play France this weekend in their final warm-up match.

“Shag, what are you up to?” Coles mused.

“Oh, that hurts a little bit to be fair, I’m actually a bit gobsmacked. I know he’s quite tight with Eddie, I think they’re pretty good mates. But he’s a bit of an icon in the All Blacks setup; yeah I’m actually a bit speechless.

“It’s a bit disappointing, but we can’t do much about that.”

Dane Coles was stunned by the Wallabies’ appointment of Steve Hansen. Picture: Getty

Hansen told New Zealand’s 1News: “The media have jumped to a rather misinformed conclusion which has me coaching Wallabies at RWC. This is not the case – I’m up in Europe on business for a couple of weeks. Eddie knew this and asked if I could fit in a couple of days observing what they are doing.”

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins was asked about Hansen’s move in parliament and joked: “We should cancel his citizenship”.

While England (sixth) are ranked higher than the Wallabies (eighth) they’re already being written off by large sections of their supporters following an uninspiring lead-up to the Cup with high tackle dramas and lack of attacking spark.

England has the worst attack of any top 10 team this calendar year and have kicked the most, making for dull play and pitiful results.

In a column, Moore wrote: “England fans are now having to consider that their team might not get out of the pool. If they do not beat Argentina in their opening game, they would face playing effective knockout rugby against Japan and Samoa. Ordinarily, both those teams would be 15 points the inferior but must now be feeling that on a good day, they might just pull off a surprise. The Argentines will approach their England game with some expectation, not just a great deal of hope.”

Former Australian rugby player Israel Folau (2nd R) will miss the World Cup for Tonga, with a knee injury. Picture: AFP

England were soundly beaten 29-10 by Ireland last weekend, had a narrow 19-17 win over Wales, but the week prior lost to the Welsh 20-9.

If the Wallabies top their pool and Argentina beat England, it will likely result in an Australia versus England quarter-final and right now, most would favour a win for Jones’ team.

But there are sure to be twists and turns before then, with injuries and potential suspensions sure to play a part in the build-up.

Meanwhile, former Wallabies star Folau will not feature in the World Cup for Tonga due to a knee injury.

Folau had changed allegiance under World Rugby laws, representing Tonga in a few games last year and this season, and was set to be named in Toutai Kefu’s squad, but the injury has not healed in time.

Tonga is in the most difficult group, alongside World No.1 Ireland, reigning champions South Africa, a resurgent Scotland and Romania, and are at long odds to make the playoffs.