Player ratings: 'Foolish' decision crippling Wallabies as Italy make it back-to-back wins over Australia

Australia's northern hemisphere tour has gone off the rails after Italy ambushed them with a 26-19 upset win in Udine on Sunday (AEDT).

The flat Wallabies lacked penetration and variety in attack while the hosts were inspired at the breakdown.

Here's how ex-Test star Cameron Shepherd rated Joe Schmidt's players.

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Angus Bell: 6

One of the most heavily penalised Wallabies in Udine in a game marred by their poor discipline. Bell distributed well, particularly in the first 40 minutes, but he would be better used carrying the ball at pace and at the line to utilise his balance and agility. A powerful individual try reminded us briefly of his world class.

Matt Faessler: 5

Returned to the No.2 jersey and in the early stages looked up for the challenge, leading the set-piece including a well executed lineout and maul try. But fatigue started to show late in the match. A 40/40 minutes split with Pollard would have been a smarter call by Schmidt.

Taniela Tupou: 7

One of our best forwards at Twickenham last week, Tupou again impressed against Italy, looking dangerous with every carry. The Wallabies failed to capitalise on his efforts to puncture the defence and get over the gainline. Fatigue hit hard near half time.

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Nick Frost: 5

Generally solid and the Wallabies lineout was OK for the most part. But given the role of pressuring the Italian box kick, Frost constantly flirted with the offside line. Another who looks to be feeling the effects of a very long season, Frost's work rate around the park was lower than normal.

Jeremy Williams: 5

Did his job and supported Frost well at lineout time but struggled to find a way to impact the game. Solid defensive effort the highlight for the Force captain.

Tom Hooper: 6

Returning to the back row after his release from Exeter, Hooper brought the energy straight out of the gate. Carrying six times in the first 15 minutes, Hooper looked like the spark the Wallabies desperately needed. More players with the same intensity and extra receivers in motion around him would have helped the Wallabies capitalise on this effort.

Fraser McReight: 7

World rugby's serial breakdown pest and turnover merchant was at it again. A constant threat at every ruck and one of a small number of Wallabies with urgency to clean out and produce clean attacking ball. The V8 twin turbo must be running at redline however. The Wallabies need more from him in attack as they struggle to create opportunities.

Harry Wilson: 4

The Wallabies spoke endlessly about taking Italy seriously and I have no doubt they did. But the first 10 minutes lacked more than a coat of polish and Wilson needs to take some responsibility for this. Execution was poor and often the response of the guilty player was a hand up and a "my bad." Would George Gregan have been so forgiving? In general play Wilson fought hard but was another who struggled to find a hole in the defensive line.

Jake Gordon: 7

An inconsistent performance but the No.9 finally backed himself and had a crack. Brilliant vision and speed to burst through a gap midway through the first half to feed Wilson in space. Multiple probing runs also showed his intent. But Gordon's kicking game was not up to standard which took some shine off an otherwise great performance.

Carter Gordon: 7

First game for the Wallabies in 18 months and the coaching staff decide he's the best man to receive a high ball storm that wouldn't have been out of place in a Howard Hughes movie. That was foolish and just one of the strategic decisions currently crippling the team. Take the pressure off our 10s and let them worry about the struggling attack instead. Gordon still played very well. A classy line break in the first half deserved more and then a heads up individual try to put the Wallabies in front early in the second half. It's time to make life easier for our young playmakers! Left the game with a quad strain.

Harry Potter: 5

Similar to many Wallabies, Potter's game just had too many mistakes. Poor kicking, poor decision making plus a crucial miss on his opposite number that resulted in a try and a passionate explosion from the Italian crowd. Potter needs to consistently deliver the good and minimise the bad.

Hunter Paisami: 4

Full of energy, intensity and commitment but the No.12 needs to find more ways to impact the game. Creating new opportunities outside of the system and organising the backline when in the 'A zone' would be a good start. You have one of the best ball runners in the world outside you. Help him find space.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii: 4

Another mixed bag from the 22-year-old. Looked dangerous on occasions but not often enough. Strong defensive pressure in one instance and then again caught in no man's land as the Italians attacked fired shot after shot. No one can deny the yellow card was a huge moment. Would I say it cost us the Test? No.

Corey Toole: 4

Came ready to play and knew this was not only a Test match but a test from Joe and the coaching staff who wanted to see what he'd learned from his last few games in gold. Not enough opportunity in space. You can't get the most out of a drag car on a go kart track. Throw Toole's role in the poor strategy pile. Wasted.

Andrew Kellaway: 4

Quiet and another example of how the attacking set up is so lop sided towards the forwards. Rarely in space and often receiving the ball as the Italians' outside in defensive line surrounded the Wallabies. Kellaway also needs to lead the kick receipt and counter attack. It's not good enough. As the highest capped back he needs to take the lead and own it.

RESERVES

Billy Pollard: 5

Only a short shift but was on the money at set-piece.

Aidan Ross: 5

The former All Blacks prop played the whole second half and the scrum was sound.

Zane Nonggorr: 6

Got his legs pumping with some excellent ball carries.

Rob Valetini: 6

The star forward was only unleashed late and it backfired badly as Italy stole the win.

Pete Samu: 5

Yet to stamp his mark in the Test arena after returning from France.

Ryan Lonergan: N/A

Tane Edmed: 5

Replaced Gordon but was unable to spark things. Jury still out.

Filipo Daugunu: 6

Added some impact off the bench and should have been introduced earlier.