It was one of the greatest Australian sporting circuses in recent memory, and now the Wallabies 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign is getting put under the microscope in an explosive new documentary.
Has a 10-month coaching reign ever been as underwhelming and controversial – and yet eventful – as Eddie Jones’ return to the Wallabies top job in 2023?
Success has evaded the Australian national team for some time — and Jones was certainly no silver bullet.
However, not even Nostradamus could’ve forecast just how disastrous his second spell would’ve turned out. Not only did Jones become the first Australian coach to fail to progress to the knockout stages of a World Cup, but they also suffered their eighth-greatest defeat ever, all against the backdrop of Jones – ‘reportedly’ – negotiating in the background for the Japanese head coaching role.
Now, it’s time to relive one of the most tumultuous periods in Australian rugby history in what promises to be an explosive documentary that comes at a time when union needs as much good publicity as possible.
The Wallabies – Inside Rugby World Cup 2023: All the key details
Let’s dive in.
When will ‘The Wallabies – Inside Rugby World Cup 2023’ be released?
February 22
The three-part series hits screens at the end of February, exclusively on Stan. The release coincides with the beginning of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, which kicks off a day later on February 23.
Is there a trailer?
Yes, there is!
“Everything we do from now on becomes history,” explained Eddie Jones in the trailer. Boy, isn’t it some history he’s created?
Who stars in the series?
Eddie Jones will be to this series what Leonardo DiCaprio was to the Wolf of Wall Street. He is the star. After all, it was initially planned to focus on the beginning of a new era for Australian rugby, one which would positively shift the game’s fortunes.
Alongside the now disgraced former coach, prominent players, Michael Hooper – himself axed before the World Cup – James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Nic White, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa and Carter Gordon feature, as well as outspoken rugby journalist Peter FitzSimons.
What will the series cover?
Well, where do we begin?
Produced by award-winning production company CJZ, in unison with Richard Weinberg and Karl Stefanovic’s Karlinberg Entertainment, a Stan statement explained ‘this extraordinary look inside the Wallabies inner sanctum will offer exclusive access to Eddie Jones as he takes over the team just nine months out from the tournament, with the hope of transforming the Wallabies into world champions.’
On that note, the series begins with so much promise, largely around the return of Jones to the head coaching role, and the new era of Australian rugby he’s promised to usher in — including his promise of a ‘smash and grab’ victory.
Uniquely, the series marks the first time Rugby Australia has provided anyone with all-access to the Wallabies in over three decades, with Stan noting this gives ‘audiences an unfettered look at the side as they attempt to claim glory, despite the chaos of controversial selections, injury and scandalous headlines all around them.’
“With the weight of the world on their shoulders, cameras follow the Wallabies through team camps, training sessions, dressing rooms, and on the field as they take part in The Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup and Rugby World Cup 2023,” Stan said.
Viewers can expect the documentary equivalent of a car crash. No doubt, their eyes will be glued to the screen as you watch the mess of last year’s campaign unfold. There is something truly enthralling about watching along as calamities unfold.
“Rugby and documentary fans alike will get an insider peek behind the scenes of every devastating loss, every agonising injury, and every candid moment of the players as they crash out of the most controversial Rugby World Cup campaign in Australian Rugby history.”
