In 1897, the author Mark Twain addressed persistent media rumours he was on his deathbed. “The report of my death was an exaggeration,” Twain wrote.

Similarly, Australian rugby has spent the last six months facing questions about its impending mortality after a disastrous World Cup under Eddie Jones. But a competitive start by Australian sides in the opening three rounds of Super Rugby, including victories by the Reds and the Waratahs against powerhouse New Zealand opposition, has kept the gravediggers at bay for the moment.

Despite Jones’ reputation having taken a battering after last year’s chaotic campaign, the early revival of Australian form this year arguably bears some fingerprints of the ex-coach.

Entering the new Super Rugby season, the 2023 World Cup seemingly divided Wallabies players into two camps.

There were those who’d been brushed by Jones for France and had been stewing about it all summer, waiting for the new year to arrive. Then there was the mostly young core of players who’d been selected and thrown into battle by Jones, and though they emerged bruised and battered, they also emerged wiser and as stronger, more experienced players.

In the first group, the Reds’ young No.8 Harry Wilson and the Waratahs’ back-rower Jed Holloway showed in their strong performances in wins against the Chiefs and Crusaders respectively how wrong Jones was to overlook them. Wilson, in particular, has been a dynamo this season.

Reds players celebrate victory over the Chiefs at Suncorp Stadium.Credit: Getty

So too has his Reds’ back-row teammate Fraser McReight. The No.7 was a rare source of optimism for the Wallabies in France and has brought his form home to Queensland. After dealing with the difficulties of being part of Jones’ travelling circus for so long, McReight is back home playing outstanding rugby and has grown from the adversity of the World Cup.

Elsewhere, Carter Gordon has looked in good touch in back-to-back wins for the Rebels, and Ben Donaldson has been in sharp touch for the Force.