Ireland weren't the only team to get knocked out of the Rugby World Cup today. Australia were on the receiving end of a thumping from England this morning, bowing out at the quarter final stage for only the third time.
While they were resoundingly beaten in the end, Australia actually played some good rugby at times. They were overpowered by a more talented England team in the end.
The defeat could well spell the end of Michael Chieka's time in charge of the team, with many feeling now is the right time for the former Leinster coach to move on. After the game, he spoke in a resigned manner:
🗣 "The better team won. I was supposed to get this done for the people here and for Australians. I'm so disappointed." @wallabies' Michael Cheika reflects on his side's loss tonight #RWC2019 #ENGvAUS #RWCOita pic.twitter.com/f0T2IevFXr
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 19, 2019
I thought we actually played quite well, especially in the first 50 or 60. We gave away two intercepts and they defended well. The better team won. That's the way it is, you've got to suck that up sometimes.
I was supposed to get this done for the people here, for the Australians. I'm fucking so disappointed...
I think the lads put everything they had into it today. I want all the Aussies at home and that are here today to know that.
They gave it everything, they put their bodies on the line. Yeah we made a few mistakes at different times, but they've given everything these lads over however long it is we've been together.
They're a credit to their country. I know we're all very disappointed. I don't have much else to say to be honest.
Cheika has been in charge of the Aussies since 2014, winning a Rugby Championship in 2015 and finishing as World Cup runner-ups in the same year.
