Schmidt proud of Wallabies fightback despite first test loss
After being dominated by the Lions for an hour, tries from replacements Carlo Tizzano and Tate McDermott got the Wallabies within eight points of the tourists and Schmidt thought they were unlucky not to have a couple more.
Schmidt has been clear throughout his year in charge that his team are a development project and thought it a sign of progress that they fought back rather than folded.
"I just think that this time last year, I think we probably would have melted, but I love the way this team is developing," he said after the 27-19 defeat at Lang Park.
"I felt like we fought our way back into the game. I felt if we could get within one score, then you never know what can happen.
"I'm not saying the Lions didn't deserve to win it, because I feel that they did on the balance of what they did in that first half.
"We'll have a look in the cold light of day and be a little bit more analytical, but very proud of the way the players fought their way back."
Schmidt handed a first test start to flyhalf Tom Lynagh and a debut to flanker Nick Champion de Crespigny and thought both acquitted themselves well.
The New Zealander said loose forward Rob Valetini and lock Will Skelton would be fit to return for the second test in Melbourne next week, which might help the Wallabies compete physically with the Lions.
"Some of our collision area work has to be better, just because we know they're coming so hard there," he said.
"As I mentioned earlier, there were a few things in the lineout that I think we can tidy up. And I thought, in contrast, I thought the scrum was very strong."
Schmidt was pleased with the impact of his bench in the last quarter and thought there were some other positives to take to Melbourne, when the Wallabies will be playing to stay alive in the three-match series.
"We weren't far away," he said. "I think the team grew into the game. I think they did show a desperation to defend our line and to be in as many of the contests for position as they could be.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNA
18 hours ago
- CNA
Record-breaking Root puts England in control and in sight of series win
MANCHESTER, England :Joe Root moved to second in the all-time test run scorer charts with a superb 150 to put England in control on day three of the fourth test against India on Friday, with the hosts 544-7 at the close of play, giving them a first innings lead of 186 runs. Yorkshire batter Root strolled to a staggering 38th test hundred, before passing another milestone in climbing above former Australia captain Ricky Ponting into second place in the all-time list as he reached 121 not out just before tea. England skipper Ben Stokes, plagued by injuries in recent years, retired hurt with cramp in the evening session when on 66, safe in the knowledge his side would remain in the driving seat in his absence. Root eventually was stumped off the bowling of Ravindra Jadeja, but the damage to India's resolve had been done. Jamie Smith and Chris Woakes followed Root back to the pavilion, with Stokes re-emerging to add more runs to his total, finishing the day unbeaten 77, alongside Liam Dawson on 21. With two days still to play, England are firm favourites to secure the win in Manchester, one that would seal victory in the five-match series with one test still to come.
CNA
21 hours ago
- CNA
Root moves to second in all-time top test run scorer charts as England earn first innings lead
MANCHESTER, England :Joe Root moved to second in the all-time top run scorer charts to help England surpass India's first innings total on day three of the fourth test at Old Trafford, the hosts 433-4 at tea on Friday, leading by 75 runs. Root moved above South African Jacques Kallis into third in the rankings in the morning session, with his 104th score of fifty or more - only India great Sachin Tendulkar has more in test cricket - steering untroubled England to 332-2 at lunch. Ollie Pope played his part in an impressive first session, but the England number three fell for 71 in the third over after lunch. Washington Sundar quickly had Harry Brook stumped to give India hope of dragging themselves back into the contest. Root's morning was not without concern, as he survived one leg before wicket appeal before almost being run out when on 22, but he otherwise remained his customary composed self to steady the ship and keep England in the driving seat. The Yorkshire batter strolled to a staggering 38th test hundred, before passing another milestone in moving above former Australia captain Ricky Ponting into second in the all-time list as he reached 121 not out just before tea. Ben Stokes capitalised on some wayward India bowling to provide ample support to Root and will return for the evening session unbeaten on 36, keeping England on course for victory in the test that would seal a series win with one match to spare.
CNA
a day ago
- CNA
Root moves to third in all-time top test run scorer charts as England close on India
MANCHESTER, England :Joe Root moved to third in the all-time top run scorer charts to help England close in on India's first innings total on day three of the fourth test at Old Trafford, the hosts 332-2 at lunch on Friday, trailing the tourists by 26 runs. Root moved in behind former Australia captain Ricky Ponting in second and Indian great Sachin Tendulkar at the top of the rankings with his unbeaten 63 taking him above South African Jacques Kallis and into third spot in the rankings. Root and Ollie Pope, who cruised to his 16th test half century alongside Root, ensured England built on their overnight total of 225-2, given to them by opening pair Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett's 166-run partnership. Root's morning was not without concern, as he survived one leg before wicket appeal before almost being run out when on 22, but he otherwise remained his customary composed self to keep England's run rate ticking over. The 34-year-old moved past his 104th score of fifty or more - only Tendulkar has more in test cricket - as he and Pope upped the ante later in the morning session, with India struggling to even trouble the pair. Pope will return with Root after lunch on 70, the unbeaten 135-run partnership putting England in a strong position to seal victory in the fourth test, one that would secure success in the five-match series with one test to spare.
