Overview
- Italy beat Australia 26-19 in Udine, prompting Joe Schmidt to describe the display as flat as he asked supporters to keep faith.
- Coverage reports six defeats in eight Tests under Schmidt and warns Australia, ranked seventh, may need wins over Ireland and France to safeguard 2027 World Cup seeding.
- Carter Gordon offered an encouraging return at fly-half before a quad issue forced him off, with his long-term goal-kicking seen as a key question.
- Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s tackling height drew a yellow card and direct criticism from Schmidt, who said the winger must go lower.
- South Africa defeated France 32-17 in Paris after Lood de Jager’s red card, with Siya Kolisi replaced on his 100th cap and Andre Esterhuizen pivotal as analysts reinforced the Springboks’ status as the benchmark side.