Schmidt concludes Wallabies tenure with decisive win over Italy

By Aroha Ngata — 19 July 2026 — 3 min read

Wallabies secure dominant victory in Schmidt’s final match

The Wallabies concluded the Joe Schmidt era with a significant 57-10 victory over Italy in Perth. This match marked Schmidt’s final Test as coach before Les Kiss assumes the role. The home side scored nine tries to two, with Josh Canham achieving a hat-trick.

The win ended a six-match losing streak for Australia and was their first victory in the Nations Championship. It also snapped a prolonged slump where the team had lost nine of their previous ten Tests. The performance demonstrated precision and power, offering a tribute to the departing coach.

The Wallabies‘ forward pack was particularly dominant, outmuscling Italy and scoring six tries in the first half to establish a 38-5 lead at the interval. Carlo Tizzano and Fraser McReight were noted for their tenacity at the breakdown, contributing to a more threatening team.

Schmidt’s legacy: player development and strategic approach

Despite a winning percentage of just under 39% from 12 victories in 31 Tests, Schmidt’s tenure is viewed with context. He inherited a challenging situation after the 2023 World Cup and focused on rebuilding the squad. He handed out 27 debuts across his 31 Tests, broadening the pool of players with international experience.

Among the talents nurtured under Schmidt, Josh Canham emerged as a key player, particularly during the home leg of the Nations Championship. Canham, a 25-year-old lock, was praised for his dynamic carrying and accurate lineout work. Ryan Lonergan also exemplified Schmidt’s philosophy of maintaining quick ball movement, which often prevented opposing defences from organising effectively.

Schmidt implemented a clear method with the ball, emphasising quick play around the fringes and continuous attacking waves. This approach, when executed fluently, made the Wallabies exceptionally difficult to stop. The team also showed greater tenacity at the breakdown, with players like Harry Wilson and Carlo Tizzano making significant contributions.

Notable achievements during Schmidt’s time included a victory over England at Twickenham, a win against the Lions in Sydney, and a comeback victory against South Africa at Ellis Park after being 22-0 down. These results indicate an increased performance ceiling for the team.

Challenges and the path forward under Kiss

While Schmidt leaves a more experienced squad, challenges remain. The team’s bench strength is a notable concern, as the rhythm and physical authority often diminish once the starting forwards are replaced. Additionally, continuity in key playmaking positions, such as fly-half and scrum-half, was disrupted by injuries and frequent changes, with Declan Meredith being the eighth player to feature at fly-half during Schmidt’s reign.

Les Kiss will take charge of a team that possesses strong individual talents, including Rob Valetini, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, Max Jorgensen, Dylan Pietsch, and Tom Wright. The return of Mark Nawaqanitawase is also expected to add dynamism to the backfield. However, the squad still requires additional bulk in the forward pack.

The upcoming World Cup will be held on home soil next year. Kiss’s task will be to transform the Wallabies‘ occasional strong performances into consistent results. The recent sellout attendance suggests continued public interest in Australian rugby, but sustained goodwill may depend on the team’s ability to deliver consistent high-level play.

The Wallabies‘ victory against Italy in Perth was played in front of 19,268 fans.

Source: theguardian.com