WALLABIES FACE ITALY IN FINAL TEST UNDER SCHMIDT

Australia will play Italy in Perth this week in what amounts to a final opportunity for Joe Schmidt to salvage his record as Wallabies head coach. The team has won only eight of its 27 Tests under Schmidt, who took charge in 2024. A defeat to Italy would leave Schmidt's win-loss record below 36 per cent, according to the available data.

Australia has lost six consecutive matches and registered defeats in nine of its last ten Tests — a run worse than any stretch since 2016. Last week, France overturned a 12-point deficit at half-time to win 42-26. The previous week, Ireland recovered from a five-point half-time deficit to win 33-31. Australia has lost its previous two encounters against Italy, in 2022 and 2025.

Les Kiss will succeed Schmidt as head coach with 14 months remaining until a World Cup to be held in Australia. Kiss's first Test in charge will be in Hokkaido, followed by matches in Townsville and then away fixtures in San Salvador de Jujuy and Mendoza against Argentina. Schmidt's contract extension into 2026 was intended to provide continuity, but the team now faces transition under new leadership at a critical juncture.