Wallabies prepare for Italy clash as Joe Schmidt era nears its end
Wallabies face Italy in Perth
The Wallabies are set to face Italy in Perth this Saturday, a match that marks the final game for head coach Joe Schmidt and coach Laurie Fisher. The team has made three changes to its starting lineup following last weekend’s match against France. Perth-born Carlo Tizzano will start at openside flanker in his hometown, making his first Test appearance of 2026. His club teammate, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, is also set to start at hooker. Harry Potter will feature on the left wing, replacing Dylan Pietsch, who is unavailable due to a calf contusion.
The back three will consist of Harry Potter, Max Jorgensen, and Tom Wright. The midfield pairing of Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii remains unchanged. In the front row, experienced props Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa are confirmed starters. Josh Canham and Western Force captain Jeremy Williams will continue as the starting locks for the third consecutive Test. Tizzano will join Rob Valetini and captain Harry Wilson in the back row.
Declan Meredith, who debuted last weekend, will again start at flyhalf, partnering with Brumbies teammate Ryan Lonergan at scrumhalf for the third straight match. On the bench, Billy Pollard and Zane Nonggorr are selected for their first Test of 2026 in the replacement front row, with veteran James Slipper as the substitute loosehead prop. Miles Amatosero is in line for a potential debut off the bench as a replacement lock, with Fraser McReight providing additional forward cover. Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson are named as substitute halves, and Filipo Daugunu completes the matchday 23.
Schmidt commented on the team’s performance, stating, “We’ve shown some encouraging signs but we need to sustain our accuracy and effort throughout the match. The challenge for us this week is to perform at a consistently high standard against a dangerous Italian side, who were hugely competitive in the Six Nations, beating both Scotland and England as well as running other teams close.”
Challenges for the Wallabies and Italy
The Wallabies enter this match following a challenging period. Last week, France overcame a 21-12 half-time deficit to defeat Australia 42-26. The week prior, Ireland secured a 33-31 victory after trailing 24-19 at the break. These results contribute to a run where the Wallabies have lost six consecutive matches and nine of their last ten, marking their most difficult period since 2016.
Joe Schmidt’s tenure as head coach has seen the team win eight of 27 Tests. If the Wallabies are defeated by Italy, as they were in their last two encounters in 2022 and 2025, Schmidt’s win-loss record would fall below 36%. This situation presents a significant challenge for incoming coach Les Kiss, who is set to take over 14 months before a home World Cup.
Italy, coached by Gonzalo Quesada, is also seeking their first win in the Nations Championship. They lost to Japan in Tokyo and then to New Zealand 47-17 last weekend. Despite the loss to New Zealand, Italy only trailed 14-10 at half-time. The Azzurri will be without several key players due to rest, injury, and suspension, including Giacomo Nicotera, Ange Capuozzo, Simone Ferrari, Sebastian Negri, and Niccolò Cannone. However, their backline is noted for its strength, featuring flyhalf Paolo Garbisi, centres Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex, and wingers Louis Lynagh and Monty Ioane.
Squad selections and upcoming fixtures
The Wallabies have faced issues at flyhalf, using nine different players in 17 Tests. Declan Meredith’s performance against France, where he contributed to a 21-12 lead on debut, has earned him another start against Italy. Ben Donaldson, who missed the France match due to a calf injury, will come off the bench. Miles Amatosero is poised to make his debut off the bench, adding to the team’s options.
Italy has made nine changes to their side for the upcoming match. Giulio Marini will make his first Test start, partnering Federico Ruzza in the second row. Lorenzo Pani returns at fullback, while Monty Ioane and Paolo Odogwu are also included. Alessandro Garbisi will start at scrumhalf alongside his brother Paolo Garbisi. Tommaso Allan and Lorenzo Cannone are out due to injuries sustained last Saturday.
Following the match against Italy, the Wallabies have a series of fixtures scheduled. They will play Japan twice in August, first in Higashi-Osaka and then in Townsville. Later in August and early September, they will travel to Argentina for two away Tests in San Salvador de Jujuy and Mendoza. The team will then face South Africa in Perth in late September, followed by two matches against New Zealand in October, one in Auckland and one in Sydney. Their November schedule includes matches against England in London, Scotland in Edinburgh, and Wales in Cardiff, leading up to the Nations Championship Finals Weekend starting November 27.
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Source: theguardian.com
