The Australian Wallabies are grappling with a challenging 2025 season, facing their next test against Ireland on Saturday after suffering a disappointing defeat to Italy. Coach Joe Schmidt is urging his players to demonstrate resilience as the squad approaches the end of a demanding year filled with setbacks. With their aspirations for a top-six seeding in the upcoming 2027 Rugby World Cup faltering, the Wallabies find themselves in a precarious position.
Once viewed as a powerhouse in international rugby, the Wallabies now sit at number seven in the world rankings, just above the second-to-last team in the 2025 Six Nations. Their recent performance has been troubling, highlighted by consecutive losses to Italy, a situation that would have seemed unimaginable in the past. Despite a promising start to the year, which included a historic victory over the two-time defending world champions South Africa at Ellis Park, the team has lost six of its last eight tests.
Schmidt’s tenure has seen a win record drop to just 42 percent, one of the lowest in Wallabies history. In response to the mounting criticism, he has called for patience as the team prepares to host the World Cup in less than two years. “There’s still a lot of work to do to get them to where they need to be,” Schmidt stated. His coaching experience, which includes leading top-ranked teams, underpins his belief in the Wallabies’ potential.
Reflecting on the team’s recent performance, Schmidt emphasized the need to learn from their mistakes. “We’ll reflect on what we put out there tonight, what we can build on and what we need to make sure we improve upon,” he added. Despite the team’s struggles, he remains confident in their ability to bounce back. “Don’t lose faith because we will guarantee to keep working as hard as we can.”
In the wake of the loss to Italy, playmaker Carter Gordon left the field with a quad strain, raising concerns about the squad’s depth. The Wallabies are considering bringing in veteran flyhalf James O’Connor from England as a potential replacement for the remaining matches against Ireland and France. Schmidt noted, “James would probably add a bit of freshness,” indicating that O’Connor’s experience could be invaluable during this challenging period.
The Wallabies are navigating an arduous *15-match* calendar year, their first since 2016, which adds to the pressure. Schmidt stressed the team’s commitment to improvement, stating, “We’re not looking for excuses. We’re just going to dust ourselves off and fire into the next one. We have to demonstrate some character.”
As the Wallabies prepare to face Ireland, the challenges ahead remain steep. With a focus on resilience and improvement, Schmidt and his squad are determined to regain their competitive edge on the international stage.
