The Wallabies have fallen to their lowest ever world rugby ranking after Saturday’s 23-19 loss to Argentina in the Rugby Championship.
Australia dropped two places to No7, their worst position since the current rankings system began 15 years ago.
The Wallabies are now just ahead of France, Argentina and Fiji, while at the top Ireland are closing in on New Zealand for the No1 spot. Wales (3), England (4), South Africa (5) and Scotland (6) are also ahead of Australia in the world rankings.
Woeful Wallabies stunned as Argentina win in Australia for first time since 1983
The loss to Los Pumas on the Gold Coast was the Wallabies’ fifth defeat in seven Tests this season. It was Australia’s first home loss to Argentina in 35 years.
The game was somewhat overshadowed by what happened afterwards, however, when Wallabies forward Lukhan Tui was involved in an altercation with a fan.
That incident came after an already emotional week for Tui’s family – his stepfather died suddenly on Wednesday, and the Wallabies wore black armbands in his honour.
A distraught Tui later told teammates he was “not going to be playing anymore”, according to Wallabies coach Michael Cheika.
Cheika claimed the incident was sparked by Tui’s sister being pushed by the supporter. “So I hope the fan’s happy,” he said.
“It’s one thing being upset with a team … [but] what went down there was the supporter pushed Lukhan’s sister. Lukhan didn’t like that, and that’s fair enough.”
Wallabies: Tui says he does not want ‘to play anymore’ after altercation with fan
Rugby Australia will review security procedures following the incident but will take no further action over the matter.
RA says it has completed an investigation into the incident after two fans used “offensive language in criticising players” following the loss to Argentina.
The fan was detained by security and ejected from the venue by police following the altercation.
“This incident was not something you want to see at any sporting event,” RA chief executive Raelene Castle said.
“Emotions were running high after the match on Saturday night and I understand why Wallabies fans are frustrated after a result like that.
“Two fans came into the area where players’ families were gathered and were arguing and using offensive language in criticising the players over their performance.
“One of Lukhan’s young family members was physically caught up in this exchange and this prompted the reaction from Lukhan.
“Wallabies team management have been in dialogue with Lukhan since the incident and he has indicated that he does not wish to pursue the matter any further and therefore no further action will be taken by Rugby Australia.”
Australian Associated Press contributed to this report