Wallabies crack 50 against Azzurri
The Australian Wallabies secured a dominant 57-10 victory over Italy in Perth, marking a strong finish for outgoing coach Joe Schmidt. The win prevented Schmidt from holding the worst winning percentage in the professional era for the team.
Why it matters
The result provides a morale boost for Australian rugby following a difficult period and signals a transition in leadership for the national squad.
The Wallabies sent coach Joe Schmidt off with a big win over Italy in Perth on Saturday.
After six consecutive losses, including defeats to Ireland and France to start the Nations Championship, Australia ran riot against the Azzurri, scoring nine tries in a 57-10 win after leading 38-5 at the break.
It was an underwhelming term in charge for Schmidt, where he won 12 of his 31 Tests in charge since assuming control from Eddie Jones following a disastrous 2023 World Cup campaign.
The victory did ensure the New Zealander avoided the ignominy of finishing with the worst winning percentage of any Wallabies coach in the professional era.
Les Kiss will now take the Wallabies’ reins.
The injury-ravaged Italians succumbed to their third straight defeat in the competition, having previously been beaten by Japan and New Zealand.
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