‘New’ Wallabies bury demons in winning start to Schmidt era

The old Wallabies did their best to sabotage Joe Schmidt’s first match in charge, writes JAMIE PANDARAM, but in clinching victory against Wales the team buried some demons of the past.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 06: Tom Wright of the Wallabies celebrates with Andrew Kellaway after scoring a try during the men's International Test match between Australia Wallabies and Wales at Allianz Stadium on July 06, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

The old Wallabies did their best to sabotage Joe Schmidt’s first match in charge, but in clinching victory against Wales the team has buried some demons of the past.

The new Wallabies dominated the set-piece, particularly in the first half as they won scrum penalties through the power of Taniela Tupou and disrupted the Welsh lineout.

But the old Wallabies pushed passes in the second half, failed to secure their own breakdown ball and blundered scoring opportunities with the wrong options in attack – Noah Lolesio’s audacious corner kick for Andrew Kellaway when a simple draw and pass would have sufficed was a prime example.

But what the old Wallabies would have done was blow this match.

They gave Wales several opportunities to escape from Allianz Stadium with a win. But their defensive effort stood out markedly from 2023, and the many years prior.

This was the start of the Schmidt era, and there are already major improvements.

Aside from the set-piece, halfback Jake Gordon’s service from the ruck was excellently quick.

He allowed Australia’s attacking speed to consistently push Wales on the edges.

In the end, fullback Tom Wright’s brilliant 68-metre solo try proved the pivotal moment of the game in the 69th minute.

Wallabies fullback Tom Wright on his way to an outstanding individual try. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

But the smarts were on display earlier.

There was a moment before Tupou’s 21st minute try, when the Wallabies were pressing Wales on their line on the right side of the field.

With the Welsh defenders being drawn in one by one, Wright, then winger Andrew Kellaway, made the split-second decision to drift left.

It is what all outside backs are taught from an early age, but the reaction time has been lacking for the Wallabies of late.

Not here, where Wright and Kellaway created a two-man overlap within two seconds, ready to pounce.

In the end it wasn’t required, as Tupou barged over, but it showed the attention to detail that Schmidt is renowned for.

Taniela Tupou scored the Wallabies’ opening try. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Ten minutes into the second half the Wallabies mounted 17 phases on Wales’ line, but ultimately Gordon was penalized for holding on to the ball with Welsh lock Christ Tshiunza ripping at it.

Not to have their confidence deflated, Australia scored three minutes later when Filipo Daugunu rocketed past Mason Grady and then rode the momentum of Grady’s clutching tackle to the tryline.

They didn’t allow the non-result of the 17 phases to dictate the momentum of the game of their own attitude.

Filipo Daugunu left the Welsh defenders in his wake on the way to a memorable try. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

The old Wallabies would have hung their heads.

Schmidt’s Wallabies looked up, and kept going.

They forced a number of key turnovers late in the game with tough but intelligent defence. When so often in the dying stages of close games they’ve conceded penalties, Australia held firm and trusted each other.

Lynagh’s poise to kick a sideline conversion and move seamlessly in defence, combined with Lolesio’s mixed bag in attack and with his goal-kicking, will give Schmidt some pondering to do around who starts at No.10 next week in Melbourne.

But new captain Liam Wright rewarded Schmidt’s gamble with a gutsy display and clever lineout work.

It’s a new era, and a bright start for Australia.

Originally published as ‘New’ Wallabies bury demons in winning start to Schmidt era