Overview
- Italy beat Australia 26-19 in Udine, handing the Wallabies a sixth loss in their past eight Tests on the November tour.
- Discipline again proved costly with 15 penalties conceded and a yellow card to Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii preceding Italy’s second-half equaliser.
- Joe Schmidt’s win rate sits at about 42 percent, with the coach urging supporters to stay patient as he labels the team a work in progress.
- Flyhalf Carter Gordon left with a quad strain, and selectors are considering recalling England-based James O’Connor as cover for the remaining matches.
- Rugby Australia have reportedly lined up Les Kiss to take over in mid-2026, as the No.7-ranked Wallabies chase results in Ireland and France to safeguard 2027 seeding.