Overview
- Italy beat Australia 26-19 in Udine, leaving the Wallabies with six losses in eight Tests under Joe Schmidt and threatening their top‑six seeding before the 2027 World Cup draw.
- Schmidt urged patience and kept a long‑term lens on selection, with Carter Gordon’s encouraging start at fly‑half tempered by a quad issue that forced his substitution.
- Joseph‑Aukuso Suaalii received a yellow card for a high tackle against Italy, and Schmidt publicly instructed him to lower his technique.
- South Africa overpowered France 32-17 in Paris despite playing the second half with 14 men, with Siya Kolisi accepting a halftime substitution in his 100th Test as the Springboks closed out a statement win.
- Lood de Jager’s straight red for contact to Thomas Ramos’s head has triggered a hearing that will determine his availability, and Springboks coaches say Italy’s breakdown threat requires full respect before the team is named.