Wallabies embracing do-or-die attitude for Wales clash

Tue, Sep 19, 2023, 1:32 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Fraser McReight is eager to use the loss to Fiji as motivation whilst defending coach Eddie Jones. Photo: Getty Images
Fraser McReight is eager to use the loss to Fiji as motivation whilst defending coach Eddie Jones. Photo: Getty Images

The mindset is simple for the Wallabies as they turn their attention to next week's clash against Wales.

"Must win. It's as simple as that," said lock Richie Arnold.

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The Wallabies were left hurting after a 22-15 defeat to Fiji in Saint Etienne.

It leaves them with their backs to the wall, needing victory over Wales to keep their hopes alive of making the quarter-finals.

Wales currently sit four points ahead on the ladder but a win for the Wallabies would likely see them leapfrog the Welsh if they don't earn a bonus point thanks to the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Flanker Fraser McReight was eager to use the harness the energy from the crushing defeat ahead of Monday's (AEST) must-win match in Lyon.

“I think it's kind of hard to dwell on it and you get in your head…You got to use it as my motivation," he told Rugby.com.au

“You can't just brush a loss like that otherwise you won't take the learnings from it. It’s a do-or-die game so we got to take it, got to learn and we got to do it well.”

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones was quick to take the blame, which McReight refused after the side conceded double-digit penalties and turnovers.

“I think he's trying to do a good thing and protect his team and his players. We respect that but I don't think it's on him. It's on us, we’re the ones playing,” he said.

“The whole coaching staff actually prepped us really well. We had a really good week of training to be honest, boys were flying. Obviously we had a few little niggles there through some injuries but we'll still had great few sessions. We’ve just got to be better.” 

Prop James Slipper believes they are heading into the week with the right mentality as they prepare to face Wales for the eighth time at a World Cup.

"We're all calm and measured in the changing room," he added.

"We know what's coming is another big game against Wales. So you can kick stones for half an hour or so but now it's about getting better.”

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