Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt urged fans to have faith in his team despite a historic flame out on the northern tour.
The Wallabies lost all four games in Europe for the first time in 67 years, and the defeat to France was a 10th loss in the calendar year – the first time that’s ever happened.
WALLABIES SLUMP TO NEW LOW AFTER 10TH LOSS
With defeats to France, England, Ireland and Italy to round off a season of 15 Tests, Schmidt’s record as Wallabies coach is now 11 wins from 28 games. Only Dave Rennie in the modern era has a worse win-loss percentage than Schmidt, who has three more games in charge of the team.
Rugby Australia should consider winding up his tenure early after this shambolic tour – but will likely be unable to with Les Kiss committed to the Queensland Reds before joining the Wallabies after the opening three Tests in mid 2026.
Schmidt was again left to pass judgement on a comprehensive loss after France proved too good on a freezing night in Paris.
“They were certainly too good for us on the scoreboard,” Schmidt acknowledged.
“I felt that we went toe-to-toe with them, particularly in the first half. And the second half, we probably created a couple of chances.
“They got some pressure on our lineout, and their lineout maul really started to take control in that last quarter.
“But I’m incredibly proud of the group. They’ve continued to work hard and to try to keep improving, and I honestly think they’ll learn a lot from these last 15 Test matches.
“They’ll learn a fair bit about themselves. They’ll learn what it takes to be at the level, and we’ve just got to roll our sleeves up, keep working, and get to the level. And that’s all we can do from here.”
Interviewed on Stan Sport by Morgan Turinui, it was put to Schmidt that the Wallabies attack looked better than in recent matches.
“Yeah, it was, and I think one of the things is that if you get momentum off the first phase, it’s easier then to retain that momentum,” Schmidt said.
“We got some quicker ruck ball today, so whatever shape you’re running, nothing works if the ball is slow.”
Asked to send battered and bruised Wallabies fans a message, Schmidt called for continued support.
“I’d just say that we’re disappointed we didn’t finish with the victory that I know you would have all loved to see, but the players have made a heck of an effort. Fifteen Tests in 22 weeks, with the amount of travel they’ve had, I just admire the way they have dusted themselves off and gone again.
“It wasn’t for lack of effort tonight, a little bit more execution. They will get better, so please don’t give up on them.”
In the Stan post-match coverage, Wallaby World Cup winner Matt Burke responded: “I don’t think we’re ever going to give up on the Wallabies and that gold jersey.
“But I think it shows that we are number seven in the world. We’re competitive at times, but there are teams in above that, one to six, who are just doing it a little bit better.
“I’m looking forward to next year, what they can bring. And I’m excited, too by some of that play that we saw throughout this tour – it just needs to be more consistent.”
Former Wallaby Justin Harrison said the Wallabies players started the season well off the back of a competitive Super Rugby competition but had lost their way due to issues with the style of play, selections and injuries.
“That energy and momentum, and confidence, that was taken into the British and Irish Lions series, then taken into the first part of The Rugby Championship started to drop away,” said Harrison.
“They copped a few injuries, a few selection conundrums, a few mysterious choices, lost a bit of momentum, and lost confidence.
“It’s so important when you pull that jersey on, you know [the player on the] left and right has prepared as well as you have, and you’ve got everything you need to take into that 80-minute performance.
“There were just times there during the year, as we got to the end of the year, there’s been some uncertainty creep in, and some uncertainty in style of play.
“We talked about a change in attack style halfway through a tour. We talked about a different style of defence, up and hold versus up and push, put pressure on outside in. Those sorts of things aren’t settling.”
With the chopping and changing of the team, most importantly at No.10, about the only constant in the past month has been skipper Harry Wilson fronting up to apologise to supporters.
“It’s obviously been such a disappointing tour, to lose four games. I hope everyone knows at home how much it has been hurting us because we just want to be winning,” Wilson said.
“Thanks for all the support back home. Sorry about the end of the year, but the support throughout this year has been special and we really appreciate it.”
Tony Harperhttps://www.theroar.com.au/2025/11/23/dont-give-up-on-them-joes-message-to-fans-after-67-year-low-coach-rebuked-for-mysterious-choices/‘Don’t give up on them’: Joe’s message to fans after 67-year low – coach rebuked for ‘mysterious choices’
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