Highveld Learnings: What’s Next for the Wallabies?

Australian and South African fans alike were left stunned after the Wallabies overturned a 22-point deficit to run home with 38 unanswered points at Ellis Park, capping off one of the greatest comebacks of all time.

If you’ve been tracking the Wallabies’ trajectory under Schmidt, you had the sense they were building something, but this win against South Africa was remarkable in so many ways. It was a moment of cathartic release for Wallabies fans after some dark years.

In his short time at the helm, Schmidt has rebuilt the Wallabies into a team supporters can be proud of, doing so by instilling belief. There’s still a long road ahead this year, and Schmidt has some crucial decisions to get right if his side is to keep progressing. So what can we glean so far from the Wallabies’ performances that gives fans belief this isn’t another false dawn, but the return of the Wallabies to the big stage?

Consistency is Key

Since Schmidt’s arrival, he has been backed by Rugby Australia to select the team he wants. He’s come in at a fortuitous time, where Wallabies management had little choice but to put their trust in the head coach and hope for the best. From the outset, Schmidt was clear: his priority would be rewarding loyalty to those playing in Super Rugby.

He has identified the players he likes—hard workers with good core skills and sharp rugby brains—and stuck by them, even when results haven’t gone their way. There were eyebrows raised at the selections of Jake Gordon, Ikitau at inside centre, and Wilson as captain. Questions were asked of Wright’s maturity to handle fullback at international level.

But Schmidt has stuck to his guns. Barring injury, the teamsheet has been consistent, and it’s starting to pay off. Players are building combinations and confidence. It has also given Schmidt the luxury of patching holes with experienced campaigners like Skelton and O’Connor, picked from outside the group.

Rest vs Rust

After the exhilaration of a famous win over the Springboks, Schmidt may face his toughest choice this week. Players like McReight, Wilson, Ikitau, Jorgensen and Wright have all played huge minutes. To go from beating the Lions straight into the Boks was already a massive ask. With Tizzano, Salakaia-Loto, Edmed, Lonergan and Paisami waiting in the wings, there’s a case for rotation.

Fans should ask themselves: would you rather another win over the Boks now, or have the stars fresh to finally reclaim the Bledisloe? It’s a question Schmidt may well be asking himself. His men could be due a breather to reload for the rest of The Rugby Championship and the northern tour.

It’s a balancing act. The Wallabies would love to keep the show rolling, building cohesion with the same group week in and week out. But it’s a long year, and some of the current matchday 23 aren’t getting any younger or likely to be around for the next World Cup. Relying on squad depth is key to winning consistently.

The Path Forward

With the teamsheet largely settled, is it time to experiment? There are still question marks around flyhalf, with injuries to all three of the main options. White has put in some fantastic performances, but after retiring and then un-retiring in the same week, this is his last season in gold.

There’s also a wing spot up for grabs, the prop stocks need reinforcing, and the next generation needs meaningful time in the saddle.

It’s an exciting time for Wallabies fans, but ultimately results will define the Schmidt era. This year has shown Australia has international-class players—now they need to prove they can be world beaters.