DUBLIN – Australia coach Joe Schmidt says his side are “maybe” not at the level yet to win the three-Test Series with the British & Irish Lions in 2025 but they are ready to make it a “contest”.
The 59-year-old New Zealander was speaking after the Wallabies pushed Six Nations champions Ireland all the way, only to lose 22-19 at Lansdowne Road on Nov 30.
Defeat in their 13th and last Test of 2024 leaves Schmidt with a record of six wins and seven losses since he took over after Eddie Jones’ disastrous tenure.
Schmidt has selected almost 50 players and brought through new talent since the Australians under Jones exited the 2023 Rugby World Cup at the pool stage for the first time.
Eye-catching wins on the Northern Hemisphere tour over England and Wales reflected the former Ireland coach’s success in rebuilding the side and restoring morale and pride.
Ever the realist, he accepts they are far from a finished product capable of beating the best on a regular basis quite yet.
The Lions – who will be coached by his successor as Ireland coach Andy Farrell – will be a formidable opponent made up of the best players from the Irish, England, Wales and Scotland
“Maybe not yet,” said Schmidt, of whether his side could beat the Lions.
“But I think and I hope our supporters and supporters of the Lions can see enough in what we’ve delivered in these last four weeks to think they’re going to be entertained and it’s going to be a contest.
“We’ve still got some work to do for sure, and I felt that there were times tonight where we’ve still got some guys who’ve only played a couple of Tests and they’re still learning.”
Schmidt, who was pivotal as an assistant coach in New Zealand defeating Ireland in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final, said he thinks his side are not far off being able to compete with the best teams.
“When you’re losing by three to the All Blacks and Ireland, you do feel like you’re not that far away from the top table that you can keep building and be competitive,” he said.
“From a year last year when Portugal and Georgia were the only scalps, the disappointment of missing out on the play-off stages of the World Cup, I’m heartened by where we’ve got to, and determined by what is in front of us.”
Schmidt said it would be hard without any international matches between now and the Lions’ first Test on July 19.
“We’ll get together a week or two before the Lions arrive,” said Schmidt, who enjoyed a hugely successful spell with Leinster and then Ireland, before stepping down after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
“That in itself is a real challenge but I do think we’ve built enough confidence and cohesion this year that we can pick it up again, late June, early July next year.”
Farrell, for his part, says he can already see that under Schmidt, Australia have rediscovered their “DNA” and are more cohesive and fitter than they were under Jones.
The Wallabies were 13-3 up at half-time in Dublin thanks to Max Jorgensen’s try and the boot of Noah Lolesio but the hosts hit back after the break. Their tries came via Josh van der Flier, Gus McCarthy and captain Caelan Doris.
It also crowned a memorable day for Cian Healy, who became Ireland’s most capped player with 134 when he came on as a replacement in what was also a match commemorating Irish Rugby’s 150th anniversary.
“There’s relief, but there’s also enjoyment there, too,” Doris told TNT Sports. “It’s a quality side, they are Joe Schmidt-coached and we knew it was going to be top class.”
Farrell added: “The big picture of the game is that I’m really proud of the victory because it was hard fought in the end against a bit of adversity, so delighted to get the win.” AFP
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2024-12-01 12:00:46
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