Joe Schmidt ended his tenure as Wallabies head coach with a commanding 57-10 victory over Italy in Perth on Saturday, handing successor Les Kiss a squad that is deeper and more experienced but still lacking in forward depth. Schmidt, who took over after Eddie Jones’ disastrous second stint, departs with a winning percentage of just under 39% (12 wins in 31 Tests), the worst among professional-era Wallabies coaches except for Rennie and Jones himself.
Canham hat-trick highlights improved attack
Lock Josh Canham scored a hat-trick as Australia produced a precise and powerful performance, a fitting tribute to Schmidt’s attacking philosophy. The Wallabies ran in nine tries, with the pack dominating the maul and recycling relentlessly near the line. Canham, 25, was Australia’s best player in this Nations Championship home leg, carrying dynamically and working accurately at the lineout.
Schmidt handed out 27 debuts in 31 Tests, broadening the player pool exposed to international rugby. Ryan Lonergan epitomised Schmidt’s quick-ball philosophy, keeping the ball moving at such speed that Italy struggled to organise. Fraser McReight led the improved breakdown work, supported by Harry Wilson and Carlo Tizzano.
Ceiling raised, but floor remains low
Australia came close to forcing a series decider against the British & Irish Lions, beat England at Twickenham, and came back from 22-0 down to defeat South Africa at Ellis Park. However, the lack of bench strength remains a glaring issue. Once the starting forwards depart, the rhythm and physical authority often dissipate. Schmidt could not conjure a second international-quality tight five from limited resources.
Fly-half instability also plagued his tenure. Declan Meredith became the eighth player used at No. 10 when he debuted against France, with injuries disrupting continuity. Noah Lolesio, Ben Donaldson, Tom Lynagh, and Carter Gordon all had spells, while Jake Gordon’s absences affected the scrum-half position.
Kiss inherits a work in progress
Les Kiss takes over a team with a higher ceiling than the wreckage Schmidt received. Rob Valetini remains a world-class loose forward, Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i form a powerful midfield, and back-three players Max Jorgensen, Dylan Pietsch, and Tom Wright provide electric pace. Returning Mark Nawaqanitawase adds further dynamism. But the forward pack still lacks the extra bulk required to compete consistently.
With the World Cup on home soil next year, Kiss must transform occasional brilliance into weekly consistency. A sixth consecutive sellout crowd suggests public patience remains, but that goodwill may not survive another era built on glimpses and excuses.
