Coach still upbeat - despite losing eight out of nine

CARDIFF - Australian 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 24-22 loss, their third in four matches in the November series.

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

"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 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 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 a 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 defending their Six Nations title.

- REUTERS