‘Lost’ Schmidt opens up on last stand with Wallabies
Joe Schmidt says he is feeling “lost” as he prepares for his final Test in charge of the Wallabies against Italy on Saturday night.
The 60-year-old New Zealander will hand the coaching reins to former Australian rugby league star Les Kiss, who will start his run to the 2027 Rugby World Cup against Eddie Jones’ Japan on August 8.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt addresses media. Getty
A former World Rugby coach of the year with Ireland, Schmidt has not been able to reach those heights with the Wallabies since taking over from Jones.
“I’m nervous. I’m always nervous,” Schmidt told reporters ahead of the Nations Championship clash in Perth.
“Outside of feeling nervous, I feel a little bit lost. You know, when you work really hard week to week, and you’re always planning ahead, and the planning ahead has disappeared.
“I guess I’m partly looking forward to being able to get a little bit more sleep and spend a little bit more time with family ... to be able to do something other than be totally engrossed in a job that I love, but it takes a lot out of you because you put a lot into it.”
There is plenty on the line for Schmidt’s personal legacy at HBF Park.
A loss would leave him with the worst winning percentage as Wallabies coach in the professional era.
Australia have won just one of their past 10 Tests while the Wallabies have also lost their past two encounters against Italy.
Schmidt described last weekend’s second-half capitulation to France, in which they conceded 30 unanswered points, as “soul-destroying”.
“I’d just love them to put it all together for a long enough period of time,” he said, after making three changes to his starting XV.
“But I know how good Italy are. I think they’re really well coached ... so I know we’re in for a really tough battle.”
Declan Meredith will start his second Test at No.10 in Perth, with Ben Donaldson providing cover on the bench.
Coach Joe Schmidt and Declan Meredith talk during a Wallabies training session at Ballymore Stadium. Getty Images
A revolving door in the chief playmaking position has plagued Schmidt’s tenure.
“I had a catch-up with James (O’Connor) in Brisbane, spoke to Noah (Lolesio) and Tane (Edmed),” Schmidt said.
“We don’t, by any means, discard anyone or disregard them as potential players.
“I’m talking to Les as well and just saying, ‘What do you feel is the best springboard going forward?’ I don’t feel like I’m operating in isolation; we’re trying to make decisions. Right now, we’ve got to get a result, but also I think we can do that, balance that and still be a little bit more long-term thinking around those 10s.
“That’s probably one of my biggest frustrations, not having that continuity to drive the game and have that consistency of messaging and ability to grow someone in that position so that they see more of the game and are more confident around kind of making calls and making decisions on the fly.”
Harry Wilson said he was keen to continue as Wallabies captain under Kiss and paid tribute to Schmidt’s influence.
“Joe means so much to me,” Wilson told reporters in Perth.
Harry Wilson warms up in Brisbane. Getty Images
“He really believed in me, probably at a point where I didn’t believe in myself as much.
“His relentless support and always keeping you accountable to make you a better footballer is something I really appreciate.”
Wilson has played under Kiss at the Reds.
“Les can choose what he wants; it’s his team moving forward. Obviously, I’d love to remain in the role,” he said.
“(The captaincy) makes you feel a lot more responsible and confident to go out there and try and put the performances in.”
Italy, meanwhile, have their own issues after coach Gonzalo Quesada was banned for the match after criticising the referees in last weekend’s 47-17 loss to the All Blacks in Wellington.
Quesada called referee Luc Ramos “super poor” and bizarrely described Niccolo Cannone’s red card for headbutting as “a bit harsh.”
Assistant coach German Fernandez will be in charge instead, with Quesada not allowed to have contact with the team.
“Behind every difficulty lies an opportunity,” Fernandez said.
“The most important objective for this third match is to control the pace of the game, to take the initiative and manage our attack with balance, using footwork, attacking with our hands, accelerating and playing in a more organised manner.
“The match against New Zealand was the most intense of the year, both in terms of the amount of play and the pace. It was incredibly demanding, so we need to work hard on that aspect. But the atmosphere is positive.”
Kick-off in Perth is 8.10pm AEST with coverage on Stan Sport from 7pm.
WALLABIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter, Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan, Harry Wilson (c), Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham, Allan Alaalatoa, Brando Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell.
Reserves: Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Miles Amatosero, Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu
ITALY (15-1): Lorenzo Pani, Louis Lynagh, Nacho Brex, Paolo Odogwu, Monty Ioane, Paolo Garbisi, Alessandro Garbisi, Ross Vintcent, Michele Lamaro (c), Riccardo Favretto, Federico Ruzza, Giulio Marini, Marco Riccioni, Gianmarco Lucchesi, Muhamed Hasa
Reserves: Pablo Dimcheff, Danilo Fischetti, Ion Neculai, Andrea Zambonin, Alessandro Ortombina, Alessandro Fusco, Giacomo Da Re, Leonardo Marin
