Perth: Wallabies face Italy in final Test for Schmidt and Fisher
Wallabies prepare for final Schmidt-Fisher Test
The Wallabies are set to face Italy in Perth this Saturday, marking the final match for coaches Joe Schmidt and Laurie Fisher. The team is looking to secure a victory after a challenging start to the 2026 season, which has seen them lose six consecutive matches and nine of their last ten. Schmidt’s tenure has included eight wins from 27 Tests, and a loss to Italy would see his win-loss record fall below 36%.
The upcoming match is part of round three of the Nations Championship. Italy, like the Wallabies, is also winless in the competition, having lost to Japan and New Zealand. The Azzurri will be without several key players due to rest, injury, and suspension, including Giacomo Nicotera, Ange Capuozzo, Simone Ferrari, Sebastian Negri, and Niccolò Cannone.
Declan Meredith will retain the No. 10 jersey for the Wallabies, making his second start at flyhalf. This decision comes despite Ben Donaldson being fit and available after recovering from a calf injury. Donaldson will instead come off the bench. Carlo Tizzano, a Perth native, will start at openside flanker, one of three changes to the starting XV from last weekend’s match against France.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa will start at hooker, and Harry Potter will be on the left wing, replacing Dylan Pietsch, who is unavailable due to a calf contusion. The midfield pairing of Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii remains unchanged. Miles Amatosero is in line to potentially make his debut off the bench as a replacement lock.
Team selections and challenges
The Wallabies‘ starting lineup features experienced players such as props Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa. Josh Canham and Western Force captain Jeremy Williams will continue as the starting locks. In the back row, Tizzano will be joined by Rob Valetini and captain Harry Wilson.
Ryan Lonergan will start at scrumhalf for the third consecutive match, partnering with Meredith. The bench includes Billy Pollard and Zane Nonggorr, making their first Test appearances of 2026, alongside veteran James Slipper. Other substitutes include Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, and Filipo Daugunu.
Schmidt acknowledged the team’s encouraging signs but emphasised the need for sustained accuracy and effort. He highlighted Italy as a dangerous side that was competitive in the Six Nations, securing wins against Scotland and England. Italy‘s coach, Gonzalo Quesada, will not be present on the sidelines due to a suspension.
The Wallabies are aiming to avoid becoming the first team since 2016 to lose all three July Tests. The team’s recent performances have been marked by inconsistency, with moments of brilliance alongside periods where they have struggled to maintain their form for the full 80 minutes. The match against Italy offers a final opportunity for Schmidt and Fisher to conclude their tenures with a victory.
After this match, incoming coach Les Kiss will take over, with his first Test in charge scheduled for Hokkaido against Japan. The Wallabies will then have a return Test in Townsville before travelling to Argentina for away Tests in San Salvador de Jujuy and Mendoza. The team’s schedule also includes matches against South Africa, New Zealand, England, Scotland, and Wales later in the year.
Key players and upcoming fixtures
The Wallabies have faced challenges with their flyhalves, having used nine different players in the No. 10 position across 17 Tests. Carter Gordon was strong against Ireland before a calf injury, and Declan Meredith‘s debut against France saw the team lead 21-12 at half-time. Meredith expressed his eagerness to continue developing his game and deliver more for the Wallabies.
Italy has also made several changes to their squad, with Giulio Marini making his first Test start and Lorenzo Pani returning at fullback. Monty Ioane and Paolo Odogwu will feature on the wings, and Alessandro Garbisi will start at scrumhalf alongside his brother Paolo Garbisi. Injuries have sidelined Tommaso Allan and Lorenzo Cannone.
The Wallabies‘ upcoming schedule after the Italy match includes:
- Wallabies vs Japan, Saturday August 8 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashi-Osaka
- Wallabies vs Japan, Saturday August 15 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
- Wallabies vs Argentina, Sunday August 30 at Estadio 23 de Agosto, San Salvador de Jujuy
- Wallabies vs Argentina, Sunday September 6 at Estádio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
- Wallabies vs South Africa, Sunday September 27 at Optus Stadium, Perth
- Wallabies vs New Zealand, Saturday October 10 at Eden Park, Auckland
- Wallabies vs New Zealand, Saturday October 17 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
- Wallabies vs England, Monday November 9 at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London
- Wallabies vs Scotland, Monday November 16 at Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
- Wallabies vs Wales, Sunday November 22, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- Nations Championships Finals Weekend, Weekend starting November 27
The match against Italy is scheduled for 6:00 PM AWST on Saturday, July 18, at HBF Park in Perth.
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Source: theguardian.com
