Schmidt Leaves Wallabies With Gifts of Canham and Lonergan 2026

Joe Schmidt ended his tenure as Wallabies head coach with a commanding 57-10 victory over Italy, leaving behind promising talents like Josh Canham and a deeper squad for successor Les Kiss. The win in Perth showcased Australia's best rugby of the season, blending precise attack with dominant forward play.

Schmidt's Mixed Legacy and Winning Percentage

Schmidt's 12 wins in 31 Tests gave him a winning percentage of just under 39%, placing him among the lower ranks of professional-era Wallabies coaches. Only Dave Rennie and Eddie Jones (second stint) fared worse. However, Schmidt inherited a team in disarray after the 2023 World Cup and handed out 27 debuts, broadening the player pool significantly.

Josh Canham's Hat-Trick Heroics

Josh Canham was Australia's standout player, scoring a hat-trick of tries in the 57-10 rout. The 25-year-old lock carried dynamically, excelled at the lineout, and benefited from a pack that dominated the maul and recycled possession near the line. His performance highlighted the athletic depth Schmidt cultivated.

Comparison: Wallabies Coaches Winning Percentage (Professional Era)

Key Takeaways from Schmidt's Era

• 27 debuts in 31 Tests, expanding the Wallabies' international experience base.
• Six-Test losing streak snapped with a dominant 57-10 win over Italy.
• Shortage of heavyweight forwards remains a concern for incoming coach Les Kiss.
• Set-piece improvement, especially maul and lineout, was a late hallmark.

What Les Kiss Inherits

Les Kiss takes charge of a team that, while still developing, has more depth than at the 2023 World Cup. The Wallabies displayed sharp service and careful handling against Italy, but consistency remains elusive. Kiss must build on the platform Schmidt laid, particularly in forward pack strength and backline cohesion.

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