Australia’s players have thrown their full support behind Joe Schmidt as pressure mounts on the head coach heading into Saturday’s Test against France in Paris.
The Wallabies are staring at the prospect of a rare winless European tour – their first since 1958 – after defeats to England, Italy and Ireland earlier this month. Another loss this weekend would deepen a slump that has sharply contrasted with their early-season resurgence under Schmidt.
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Despite the results, lock Tom Hooper insists the squad is united behind the New Zealander, who will step down in July ahead of Les Kiss taking over before the home World Cup.
“We completely believe in what Joe’s building here,” Hooper said. “On the weekend, there were a couple of times that his system and his programme would have worked, but we just didn’t execute as players. It’s just something we’ve just missed the mark on for the last three weeks.”
Schmidt’s first months in charge had stabilised the Wallabies after the turbulence of the Eddie Jones era. He claimed marquee wins over the British & Irish Lions and the world champions Springboks, but Australia now face the risk of a fourth straight defeat – something they’ve only experienced twice since 2018.
Centre Joseph Suaalii also dismissed any suggestion that the coaching setup is at fault.
“He’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever had and one of the best coaches in the world,” he said. “There are some key moments in games that we need to get better at but that’s just us as a playing group. It’s nothing to do with Joe. We need to stand up as individuals for the team and work for each other.”
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Veteran playmaker James O’Connor, who started in Dublin, was left out of the squad for the trip to Paris as Schmidt continues to weigh up his flyhalf options. The Wallabies have now used three starting 10s on tour – Tane Edmed, Carter Gordon and O’Connor – each offering a different approach as they try to settle the position.
Hooper said the solution won’t come down to one player.
“James brings that experience, but we certainly know that Tane and Carter bring that kind of flair we’re looking for,” he said.
“Ultimately they’re all just trying to find their feet. It’s not fair to put it on just one guy or one position. We know that once we start getting our forwards game going, it’ll definitely help them go to a new level.”
– AFP
Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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