Jones upbeat about Australia's World Cup prospects

CARDIFF - Australian rugby coach Eddie Jones believes his side can win the 2007 World Cup despite a dismal year in which they have lost eight of their last nine internationals.

The two-time world champions outscored Wales by three tries to two but failed to convert a number of chances in a 22-24 loss yesterday, their third loss in four matches in the November series.

"We've got the nucleus of a side to win the World Cup," Jones said today.

"We have to develop players up front to get a good, serviceable scrum but by France 2007 we will have a very good side. You have seen the kind of rugby we are capable of playing."

Australia were disciplined in defence and played fluent excellent attacking rugby in spells usually inspired by centre Lote Tuqiri against Wales.

"Some of Lote's running was outstanding," Jones said of the former rugby league player.

"He still has things to learn but he will be a very strong player for us at the next World Cup."

Jones also singled out first five-eighth Mat Rogers and fullback Chris Latham for praise.

"Rogers is going to be very, very handy test first-five and Latham has come on wonderfully well," Jones said.

"He's starting to get up there as world class as a test fullback."

Jones was reluctant to discuss his own future, the subject of intense speculation, but admitted that Australia had a weakness in the scrum.

"We knew our scrum was going to be a problem," he said.

"We have improved since England when we were very poor. Guys like (Greg) Holmes and (David) Fitter will be much better test players when they have played more Super 14 matches next year."

Jones was impressed by Wales, who beat Australia for the first time since 1987.

"I like the way Wales play," Jones said.

"We had a pretty reasonable game of rugby and both sides tried to play the game the way it should be."

Jones thinks Welsh coach Mike Ruddock's side have a good chance of successfully defending their Six Nations title.

"I think Wales would have to add a bit of starch to their midfield defence but they have the ability to score tries," Jones said.

"England and France are very strong up front but continue to play a conservative style and Wales have a good chance of retaining the Six Nations."

Ruddock sprung to the defence of his Australian counterpart, who has come under huge pressure to retain his place as his team have stumbled from one loss to another this year.

"Eddie is a fine coach, he's been brave enough to leave four or five guys back in Australia to recover from injuries and I have huge regard for him," he said.

However, the Australian Rugby Union is not so sure, having launched a review into the team's poor performances in Europe.

- REUTERS