Wallabies: Why Joe Schmidt is feeling ‘lost’ ahead of final Test as head coach
Australia head coach Joe Schmidt has revealed that he’s feeling “lost” in the build-up to Saturday’s clash with Italy in Perth, which will be his final match in charge of the Wallabies.
Schmidt will step down from his position after the Nations Championship Test with former Reds boss Les Kiss set to take over the Wallabies’ reins ahead of their upcoming game against Japan in Townsville on August 8.
Despite being an experienced coach, who had great success during stints at the helm of Ireland and Leinster, Schmidt has found the going tough with the Wallabies who are in the midst of one of their worst slumps in their history.
Australia lost nine of their past 10 Tests, including their past six matches with their last victory registered against Argentina in Townsville last September.
Schmidt, who replaced Eddie Jones as Wallabies head coach after a disappointing 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign in France, admitted that there is plenty of pre-match nerves ahead of the clash with the Azzurri.
‘I feel a little bit lost’
“I’m nervous. I’m always nervous,” Schmidt told reporters in Perth. “Outside of feeling nervous, I feel a little bit lost. You know, when you work really hard week to week, and you’re always planning ahead, and the planning ahead has disappeared.
“I guess I’m partly looking forward to being able to get a little bit more sleep and spend a little bit more time with family…. to be able to do something other than be totally engrossed in a job that I love, but it takes a lot out of you because you put a lot into it.”
There will be plenty at stake for Schmidt against the Azzurri this weekend as another loss will leave him with the worst winning percentage as Wallabies coach in the professional era.
Under the 60-year-old’s guidance, Australia have registered 11 victories and 19 defeats since he started his coaching reign in 2024.
Despite a win ratio of just 36.7 percent, Schmidt is held in high regard by his players.
One of them is his captain Harry Wilson who, despite not being involved in the Wallabies’ 2023 World Cup campaign, Schmidt appointed to the leadership role during the 2024 Rugby Championship.
‘He really believed in me’
“Joe means so much to me. He really believed in me, probably to the point where I didn’t believe in myself as much as him,” said Wilson.
“His relentless support and always keeping you accountable to make you a better footballer is something I really appreciate.
“And his genuine care for you as a person and care for your family – he’s been an amazing coach, and we’ve loved having him.”
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Wilson admitted that he would like to retain the Wallabies’ captaincy when Kiss becomes the team’s head coach.
“Les can choose what he wants. It’s his team moving forward,” he said.
“I’d love to remain in the role, but if he wants to move in a different direction, it’s up to him.”