Schmidt Departs with Improved Wallabies but Bench Weakness Remains

Key points:

Joe Schmidt's tenure saw Australia produce a memorable performance against Italy in Perth.
Despite improvements, the team still lacks depth and forward power.
New coach Les Kiss inherits a more experienced squad but faces the challenge of consistency.
The Wallabies must address their bench strength ahead of next year's World Cup.

Perth Victory Marks Schmidt's Exit

In his final home Test, Joe Schmidt orchestrated an impressive 57-10 victory over Italy. The performance showcased a precise and powerful attack led by Josh Canham, who completed a hat-trick. This win served as both a tribute to the outgoing coach and a reminder of his mixed record.

Depth and Experience Under Schmidt

Schmidt Departs with Improved Wallabies but Bench Weakness Remains

Schmidt's tenure is marked by 12 Test victories in 31 matches, giving him a winning percentage under 39%. While this is not ideal, it did bring improvements. The coach handed out 27 debuts, expanding the pool of international players available to Australia. Not all are finished products, but there's an increased depth and experience within the squad.

Attacking Improvements

The Wallabies under Schmidt developed a quick and intelligent attacking style. They handled the ball efficiently, with forwards moving before contact and cleaners arriving swiftly. Ryan Lonergan exemplified this philosophy in Melbourne. Despite these advancements, the team still faces challenges, particularly at the breakdown where their tenacity improved but their consistency remains an issue.

Challenges for Les Kiss

Les Kiss takes over with a more experienced squad but must address key weaknesses. While there is greater depth and experience, the bench strength is still inadequate. The Wallabies need to strengthen their forward pack urgently as this area remains a significant problem.

Conclusion: Moving Forward

The departure of Schmidt marks both an end and a new beginning for the Australian team. Les Kiss faces the daunting task of transforming occasional special performances into consistent rugby. The upcoming World Cup on home soil adds pressure, but with key players like Rob Valetini and the returning Mark Nawaqanitawase, there is hope. However, addressing the bench strength will be crucial in ensuring long-term success.

Source: The Guardian

#australianrugby #wallabies #schmidtera #leskiss

Sports Update

467 posts