The stage is set for a thrilling finale to Schmidt's Wallabies tenure as they face off against Italy in Perth. The Australian squad will be bidding farewell to a man who has been at the helm since 2024, but his overall record paints a less-than-flattering picture – just eight wins from 27 Tests.
Today's showdown is a must-win for both teams, with neither side having secured a victory in their opening two Nations Championship fixtures. Italy, fresh from making nine changes to their starting XV, will be looking to capitalise on the Wallabies' recent woes – six losses on the bounce and 19 defeats in their last 27 matches.
Italy's revamped lineup features Lorenzo Pani at fullback and Louis Lynagh on the wing, but it's a gamble that could pay off if executed correctly. Meanwhile, Schmidt has made three changes to his final starting lineup, bringing in Harry Potter and Brandon Paenga-Amosa for the injured Dylan Pietsch and Josh Nasser.
The match holds immense significance for Australian rugby, which has been searching for consistent success since 2013. Les Kiss is set to take over as head coach, inheriting a team desperate for a morale boost. For Italy, a victory would be a massive scalp and would continue their recent trend of upsetting the Wallabies.
As Schmidt prepares to bid farewell, he'll be hoping his final game will be one to remember. But can the Wallabies find some spark and send him off with a win? The answer lies in Perth, where the stakes are high and the tension is palpable.
The All Blacks may have beaten France last weekend, but Australia's woes continue – will they be able to turn their fortunes around today?