It was a nightmare start, but Australia has recovered to trail 7-6 after 18 minutes.

It’s D-Day for the Wallabies, who must beat Wales to keep their hopes of alive of progressing to the quarterfinals and avoid a first ever group stage exit.

Last weekend’s shock loss to Fiji made the battle for the top two spots in Pool C very dicey.

The Wallabies are without gun drop Taniela Tupou (hamstring), while captain Will Skelton (calf) is being given to the last minute to prove his fitness.

It goes without saying, the stakes are extremely high for the Wallabies after a disastrous start to the World Cup.

Win and there’s still hope of a quarterfinal if they go on to beat Portugal. Lose and they’re out, and all hell will break loose for Eddie Jones and Rugby Australia.

5.15am – Wales land first punch after two minutes

Wales has scored a clinical try in the third minute after the Wallabies defensive line was cracked open near the half-way line.

The defensive hole appeared to open when Ben Donaldson rushed up in defence quicker than his teammates.

A beautiful inside pass to Jac Morgan allowed the Welsh to break down the field and then his pass allowed Gareth Davies to score next to the posts.

Wallabies legend Stirling Mortlock told the BBC: “Wow. That was an outstanding try. Ben Donaldson at 10 has been really quick but cause he went up so quick the inside pass caught him stuck.”

Australia responded with a penalty goal, but trails 7-3 after 10 minutes.

5am – Wallabies booed by hostile crowd

The Welsh have made their voices heard.

The Wallabies were booed as they returned to the dressing rooms for the final time before kick-off at the OL Stadium in Lyon.

“What a cheer from the crowd as Wales make their way down the tunnel,” BBC sport commentator Ceri Coleman-Phillips said.

“Australia are still out doing some last minute run-throughs.

“What a contrast as Australia head down the tunnel, there’s a massive boo from the crowd.

4.45am – Eddie Jones admits axe is hovering

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has addressed his future in his pre-match interviews.

“At the end of the World Cup there’s going to be a review and given the results we’ve had, then maybe Australian Rugby doesn’t want to keep me, that’s the reality of the job I live in,” said Jones.

“I can’t apologise any more guys. I’m really sorry we haven’t had better results but we’re trying to create a team that creates dreams for Australian Rugby.

“We’re not trying to be a mediocre team, right? We want to be a really good team and to be a really good team there’s some pain and there’s some failure involved.”

Eddie Jones bombshell hangs over Wallabies

He’s contracted on a five-year deal through to the home 2027 World Cup, but Eddie Jones has been revealed as having taken secret job interviews with rival nations during the middle of Australia’s Rugby World Cup preparations.

Just days before the Wallabies began their campaign in France, the Sydney Morning Herald reports Jones took part in a Zoom interview with Japanese rugby officials on August 25, dialling in from Paris two days ahead of Australia’s eventual 41-17 demolition by France.

Jones has a 1-6 record since returning to the helm of the national side, the sole win coming against 13th-ranked Georgia to kickstart the Wallabies’ World Cup group stage.

Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh told the Sydney Morning Herald that Jones claimed there was “nothing in” the reports, which have also been replicated in Japanese media.

“I take people at their word and Eddie’s said there’s nothing in it,” Waugh said.

“So, as far as I’m concerned, that’s the end of the story and everyone’s focus is on this weekend’s crucial game against Wales.”