While frustration over inconsistency is understandable, there’s a recognition that head coach Joe Schmidt’s "scattergun" selections are part of a calculated long-term strategy. The Wallabies are not yet the finished product, but their journey to becoming a competitive force on the global stage is well underway.
Suaalii's shock recovery boosts Wallabies' chances
There were serious concerns that Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii had sustained a significant wrist injury in the Wallabies' loss to Scotland in Edinburgh. The winger-turned-centre had to leave the field in the first half, with his wrist visibly out of joint.
Despite the grim scenes, initial fears of a broken wrist have been dispelled, and Suaalii is expected to start in the midfield against Ireland. His return is a much-needed boost for the Wallabies, especially considering his impact earlier in the tour.
Suaalii, who joined the Wallabies on a high-profile and highly lucrative deal after switching codes from the Sydney Roosters, has shown strong signs of settling into Schmidt's game plan.
His aerial prowess, physicality, and ability to break through defensive lines will be crucial against an Irish team renowned for its tactical discipline and relentless forward pressure.
Jake Gordon, the Wallabies’ scrum-half, praised Suaalii’s commitment both on and off the field. “He’s a huge asset,” Gordon said. “His aerial ability, strength in contact, and hard running really stand out. He tackles hard too, and he’s adjusted to Test rugby seamlessly.”
A rocky road to Edinburgh
Storm Bert wreaked havoc across the UK, forcing Australia to adjust their training schedule and navigate snow-laden conditions. Add to this a string of injuries that ruled out key players like Samu Kerevi, Taniela Tupou, and Fraser McReight, and Schmidt’s squad was more patchwork than polished.
By the time the Wallabies faced Scotland—a team boasting stability, experience, and home advantage—they fielded a line-up featuring nine changes from their previous match against Wales. This lack of continuity hampered Australia’s ability to maintain cohesion, particularly in the critical final quarter.
"The lack of trust and familiarity was evident," said Laurie Fisher, the Wallabies’ assistant coach. "Defence depends on trust, and when combinations haven’t played together, you get disconnected moments that good teams exploit."
Schmidt’s strategy under fire
Schmidt, who described Scotland as being in their “sweet spot” of development—with players aged 25-30 and possessing 30-60 caps—has emphasised that the Wallabies are two years away from reaching a similar stage. However, his decision to rotate players and rely on less experienced options has drawn criticism, particularly given the team’s shaky defensive structure.
The inclusion of rookie props Isaac Aedo Kailea and Zane Nonggorr, alongside injuries that forced late reshuffles in the forward pack and backline, meant the Wallabies struggled to find their rhythm.
“Inexperience hurt us,” Fisher admitted, highlighting how defensive missteps and miscommunication led to Scotland’s decisive moments. Still, he argued that Schmidt’s long-term strategy—building depth and exposing players to top-tier rugby—will pay dividends by the time Australia faces the British and Irish Lions next year.
Improvements and positives amid criticism
While the result against Scotland was disappointing, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Fisher noted that the Wallabies’ defensive performance, while inconsistent, showed improvement compared to earlier in the year. The they displayed, even when outmatched, reflects the progress Schmidt has instilled in the team since taking over.
The media has been quick to draw comparisons between Schmidt’s pragmatic approach and that of his predecessor Eddie Jones. Where Jones sought to implement a fast-paced, high-risk strategy, Schmidt focused on mastering fundamentals and improving player skill sets – an approach he has deployed to great effect since his days at Clermont, Leinster and Ireland. According to Fisher, the players have responded positively to this methodical approach.
"Joe’s eye for detail and his ability to coach in the moment is second to none," said the former Gloucester head coach. "The players enjoy the challenge because it’s not overly complex—it’s about consistently doing the basics well."
Irish legend Paul O’Connell has backed Schmidt to make Australian rugby a force once again and says the ex-Ireland coach’s fingerprints are still all over this current Irish side.
"We would still do bits and pieces of what he had in place back in the day," the Ireland forwards coach said.
Gordon out to erase dark Dublin memory
Like most scrum-halves, Wallabies' Jake Gordon has a sharp memory—an asset for recalling complex plays, referees’ tendencies, or, in his case, the sting of a painful moment against Ireland two years ago.
Gordon vividly recalled what happened. “It’s not one of my fondest memories,” he admits. “I gave away a penalty in the last minute. I was on the wing—not that it’s an excuse—and hit the maul incorrectly. I threw everything into it, thinking it might be a penalty try, but when they signalled ‘22,’ I thought, ‘Oh no, that’s me!’ Hopefully, I’ll make better memories this weekend.” This act denied Australia a last-ditch opportunity to steal a win at the death.
Looking ahead: Ireland and beyond
The Wallabies’ Test on Saturday against Ireland, ranked No. 2 in the world, presents a daunting challenge. Schmidt will likely stick to his developmental approach, seeking incremental improvements rather than quick fixes.
“Ireland have very few weaknesses,” Fisher acknowledged. “Our job will be to turn up, put them under pressure, and see how long we can stay in the fight.”
Australian rugby fans might find solace in the broader picture. With key players expected to return in 2025 and Schmidt’s emphasis on creating a cohesive, experienced squad, the Wallabies’ potential remains untapped. Whether Schmidt stays beyond the Lions series remains uncertain, but his influence on the team is already evident.
