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The Wallabies 2025 season was one of stark contrasts. At their best, they looked like a side capable of matching any team in the world. At their worst, familiar flaws resurfaced and cost them crucial moments in tight Tests. Under Joe Schmidt, the Wallabies have rediscovered structure, resolve and identity, but the year also exposed the gaps that still separate them from the elite. With the Lions series behind them, a northern tour completed and the 2027 Rugby World Cup slowly coming into view, it is clear this team has grown but still has plenty to fix.
The Wallabies have a high ceiling. This season featured several performances the nation can be proud of. They were minutes away from winning a Lions series on home soil, broke a 60-year drought in South Africa, and backed themselves to snatch a huge Test against Argentina in the final minute. Considering where this team was 18 months ago, their confidence, determination and grit have grown exponentially under Joe Schmidt.
The Wallabies can boast some of the best players in the world. Len Ikitau has led from the front, forming an exciting partnership with Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i, while Angus Bell is arguably the best prop in world rugby. Fraser McReight continues the rich tradition of superstar Australian sevens, and Tom Wright was lighting it up at fullback before his injury.
The squad is largely settled. For all the noise around selections, Schmidt and his team have backed continuity despite long-term injuries, retirements and player availability issues. With every player fit, the average fan could reliably pick the team, with most key positions locked down. The set piece has improved dramatically. The Wallabies now have a dominant scrum, finishing the season with a 96 percent scrum success rate, while the lineout operated at 87 percent across the year.
With 2026 being the year Schmidt hands over the reins to Les Kiss ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil, Schmidt leaves behind a squad with fewer selection headaches and far more players who have had meaningful time in the saddle.
The revolving door at flyhalf continues. Coming into 2025, Schmidt was ready to lock in Noah Lolesio as the long-term No. 10. Unfortunately, his injury left a void at the pivotal playmaking position. Throughout the season, it was filled by Tom Lynagh, Ben Donaldson, Tane Edmed, Carter Gordon and James O’Connor. None have yet stepped up and made the jersey their own.
It has been a continuous thorn in the Wallabies’ side across multiple coaches and World Cup cycles. There has been a missing generation of Australian flyhalves, and Les Kiss’ first mission will be identifying a long-term No. 10 for 2027.
The game plan also needs to evolve. Early in the season, the Wallabies’ attack looked dynamic and their defence was outstanding. Much of that was down to the players, but the game plan was a crucial part. Schmidt’s philosophy was simple: install a clear, executable structure that any player in the squad could step into. It relied on direct, narrow attack through the middle before releasing game breakers out wide.
Defensively, they employed a soak-defence system designed to contain and prevent line breaks, characterised by passive, connected line speed and strong two-man tackling. Across the Rugby Championship, this system held teams to an average of 1.8 line breaks conceded per match. However, on the European tour it fell apart. Opposing teams quickly figured the Wallabies out, and Schmidt seemed reluctant to adjust.
Wallabies discipline completely unravelled. Throughout the Lions tour they were incredibly disciplined, conceding an average of just 5 penalties per match. But when the Rugby Championship rolled around, the slide began as they encountered different playing styles. By the end of the European tour, the Wallabies were averaging 14.2 penalties per match and had conceded five yellow cards in their final three Tests. You cannot win Test matches when you hand the opposition free territory, possession and penalty points.