Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt stated that his team must avoid their “kryptonite” to have any chance of beating the British & Irish Lions. In addition, he opened the door to the inclusion of new Australian players in the series, suggesting the possibility of calling up a “surprise” for this year’s expected series.
Schmidt met with the Australian media in Sydney, in his first individual appearance of the year. The New Zealand coach did not rule out any player, whether playing abroad or based in Australia, to face the Lions. This gives hope to players like Will Skelton, Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete. Schmidt also mentioned several inexperienced players who have caught his attention during the Super Rugby season, including Waratahs’ number 7, Charlie Gamble.
Schmidt reflected on 2024, after keeping a low profile since the Wallabies closed last year’s campaign with a narrow defeat to Ireland.
When asked about the main improvements of the Wallabies in 2024, Schmidt replied: “We felt we better understood how we wanted to play and the responsibility we had to deliver certain behaviors on the field, how we looked after the ball or how we set our defensive line. There were many things where we really felt we needed to improve. Consistency in the game and those connections are important.”
After a promising start to the July series, the Wallabies could only win one match of the Rugby Championship, and were defeated in almost every other match, except for the first test against the All Blacks.
Despite this, there were signs of progress, such as the victory over England at Twickenham and the victory over Wales in Cardiff. However, Grand Slam hopes were dashed by Scotland.
Schmidt pointed out: “The biggest task is consistency throughout the match. One of my biggest disappointments was the match against Ireland, where we were 13-5 up at halftime and tried to defend the lead. Against such an efficient team, that became our kryptonite. For us, it’s important to commit to what we are doing.”
With the series against the Lions in mind, Schmidt plans an initial squad of around 38 players, who will gather to prepare for the match against Fiji. This squad will be reduced after that encounter.
Schmidt will also release the players not in the Wallabies’ initial 23 to play for their Super Rugby franchises against the tourists. This will give them another chance to impress the coach for the first test in Brisbane.
Schmidt also confirmed that Waratahs coach Dan McKellar asked him if he wanted Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to play at center, where he is expected to play against the Lions. Schmidt replied that he wanted Suaalii to simply play when he was fit and available.
Schmidt added: “It’s great to see Joseph play. I think he was playing really well until he took that hit.”
