The Australian Wallabies concluded the Joe Schmidt era on a high note, delivering a commanding 57-10 victory over Italy in their Nations Championship clash at Perth’s HBF Park on Saturday. The result snapped a six-match losing streak for the home side, providing a morale-boosting finish for the departing head coach. Australia dominated the match from the opening whistle, racing to a 38-5 lead by halftime and ultimately crossing for nine tries to Italy’s two in front of 19,268 fans.
Lock Josh Canham was the standout performer, scoring a hat-trick of tries in a display that highlighted the team's attacking potential. The Wallabies' forward pack provided a strong foundation, allowing the backs to capitalize on quick ball and maintain intensity throughout the match. This performance was a stark contrast to recent outings against Ireland and France, where the team struggled to maintain momentum after promising starts. The victory serves as a final tribute to Schmidt, who has led the team since early 2024.
While the win was emphatic, it marks the end of an challenging period for Australian rugby. Schmidt finishes his tenure with 12 wins from 31 Tests, a record that reflects the difficulties the team has faced in building consistency. The focus now shifts to incoming coach Les Kiss, who inherits a squad that has shown flashes of brilliance but remains in a rebuilding phase. The Wallabies will look to carry the confidence from this performance into their preparations for the 2027 World Cup, which Australia is set to host.
For Italy, the match was a disappointing conclusion to their tour. The visitors struggled to match Australia's physicality and were further hindered by the absence of head coach Gonzalo Quesada, who was serving a suspension. Despite a brief second-half effort, Italy was unable to overcome the early deficit. The Wallabies' victory provides a much-needed sense of optimism for fans and players alike as the team transitions to a new coaching leadership.