Latest news with #Wallabies
NZ Herald
an hour ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Joe Schmidt's impact on Wallabies raises All Blacks coaching questions
THE FACTS Joe Schmidt may not relish the comparison with Chairman Mao Tsedong, but since he arrived in Australia after the last World Cup, he's taken the Wallabies on a great leap forward. In a sense, Schmidt has industrialised the Wallabies – collectivised them, too, from being disparate individuals unsure
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wallabies coach Schmidt: Winning is the only focus, not sentiment
By James Toney in Sydney Joe Schmidt insisted there is no room for sentiment as his Wallabies look for revenge in Sydney. The Australia coach claims his team are fired up to avoid a straight-sets defeat in the three-match Test series. And he insists the only priority is to ensure the British & Irish Lions do not leave Down Under unbeaten. It is more than a century since the tourists last won a Test series 3–0, and pride is the motivating factor as the hosts prepare for Saturday's showdown at Accor Stadium. Nic White starts as scrum-half after announcing this match would be his final international appearance, the 35-year-old preferred to Jake Gordon and Tate McDermott. White has made 72 international appearances since making his debut against Argentina in 2013. He and Schmidt, still smarting over the narrow 26–29 loss in an MCG thriller last week, have always been close, but the coach insists this pick is solely about winning and not about giving a final hurrah to a fine servant to the cause. "I'm not a sentimentalist," insisted Schmidt. "Nic has such respect inside this squad that it seemed a fitting way for him to finish his career. "This is a Test match and you pick the people you think give you the best chance of winning, and we believe Nic does that. "We're blessed with a fine group of nines and those players are really tight amongst themselves. They had their own discussions and it was a decision we made, believing Nic can do the job. "The squad was certainly deflated after the gut-wrenching end to last week's Test in Melbourne, but they have started to gather momentum in the back half of the week and will be ready to go again. "The support in Brisbane and Melbourne helped to lift the squad, and I know the support this weekend will again help to lift the players in the high-pressure moments that we know are coming." However, White insists he was surprised to get the nod having last played when he came off the bench in the Wallabies' 21–18 Test win over Fiji in Newcastle. "I didn't see it coming but I really appreciate it and I won't let the boys down," he said. "Jake and Tate did an unbelievable job in the first two games. "Pulling on the gold jersey was a dream of mine when I was a young boy and to say I've done it 72 times, with one last crack on Saturday, is something I'm incredibly proud of and I've never taken for granted. "Rugby has given me so much to be grateful for. I've made some incredible memories, some lifelong friendships and had the opportunity to see the world. "There's been great competition for the nine jersey here in the Wallabies for a number of years, and it feels like the right time to pass on the baton with some more good young players coming through. "They will need time in the saddle leading into what's going to be an unbelievable experience of a home Rugby World Cup in 2027." Tighthead prop Taniela Tupou, who impressed for the First Nations–Pasifika XV in their Lions match last week, makes his debut in green and gold as he replaces the injured Allan Alaalatoa in the front row. Rob Valetini, who made such a first-half impact in Melbourne, is being managed as he continues to recover from a calf injury, with Tom Hooper replacing him at blindside flanker. Dylan Pietsch is recalled to cover the injured Harry Potter on the wing, playing in the special edition Wallabies jersey he designed for this year's Qatar Airways Lions Men's Series. The Wallabies will have a bench consisting of five forwards and three backs, a change to last week's gamble when Potter was injured early and there were just two backs to cover.
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'Newton's third law': Schmidt defence of rested Tizzano
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt reckons resting Carlo Tizzano from the third Test against the British and Irish Lions is best for the flanker's welfare after becoming the target of online abuse. Tizzano has been omitted from the match-day 23 for Saturday's "dead rubber" in Sydney after being swept up in raging debate swirling around the Lions' last-gasp 29-26 second-Test win in Melbourne. The Wallabies were furious that Jac Morgan's clearout on Tizzano in the build-up to Hugo Keenan's final-minute try at the MCG last Saturday went unpunished by the officials. Lions flyhalf Finn Russell later accused Tizzano of making the most of the challenge, stating that he "obviously holds his head and tried to get a penalty from it", while former England flanker James Haskell declared the Wallabies replacement should have been sent off for "diving". Schmidt, though, insists it's all a matter of physics. "He's had a really tough week. He's copped a lot of online abuse," Schmidt told reporters. "The only thing I'd say in defence of Carlo is that there were just over 54 Gs of force that went directly through the neck, which is enough to cause serious injury, although not to a rugby player who is as well conditioned as Carlo. "We are all aware of Newton's third law - for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. "When that force hits him and the speed of his head collapsing down, he recoiled out the back of the ruck. "I don't think he wanted to recoil like that but that's the nature of force. That there is an equal and opposite reaction. "We weren't sure about him on Tuesday. He was still pretty sore. He was great today (Thursday). He was right back to the irrepressible character he is. "I've advised Carlo to stay away from the media full stop, and the opinions that are out there. For Carlo, it's better that he sits this one out." Schmidt made it clear in the bitter aftermath to last week's series-deciding loss that he felt Morgan's clear-out was illegal and the no-penalty decision went against World Rugby's campaign for player safety. While the New Zealander escaped sanction, World Rugby chief Alan Gilpin was unimpressed. Five days on and Schmidt wants to leave the saga in the past and focus on ensuring the Wallabies avoid becoming the first team to be whitewashed 3-0 in a Lions series in Australia since 1904. "You can lament all sorts of things," Schmidt said. "I actually feel like (Italian referee) Andrea Piardi had a good game. "There's a couple of decisions we might not agree with, but I thought he refereed well. So we're not looking at refereeing decisions. "We're looking at what we could have done better, making sure that we try to repair those things." With agencies Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt reckons resting Carlo Tizzano from the third Test against the British and Irish Lions is best for the flanker's welfare after becoming the target of online abuse. Tizzano has been omitted from the match-day 23 for Saturday's "dead rubber" in Sydney after being swept up in raging debate swirling around the Lions' last-gasp 29-26 second-Test win in Melbourne. The Wallabies were furious that Jac Morgan's clearout on Tizzano in the build-up to Hugo Keenan's final-minute try at the MCG last Saturday went unpunished by the officials. Lions flyhalf Finn Russell later accused Tizzano of making the most of the challenge, stating that he "obviously holds his head and tried to get a penalty from it", while former England flanker James Haskell declared the Wallabies replacement should have been sent off for "diving". Schmidt, though, insists it's all a matter of physics. "He's had a really tough week. He's copped a lot of online abuse," Schmidt told reporters. "The only thing I'd say in defence of Carlo is that there were just over 54 Gs of force that went directly through the neck, which is enough to cause serious injury, although not to a rugby player who is as well conditioned as Carlo. "We are all aware of Newton's third law - for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. "When that force hits him and the speed of his head collapsing down, he recoiled out the back of the ruck. "I don't think he wanted to recoil like that but that's the nature of force. That there is an equal and opposite reaction. "We weren't sure about him on Tuesday. He was still pretty sore. He was great today (Thursday). He was right back to the irrepressible character he is. "I've advised Carlo to stay away from the media full stop, and the opinions that are out there. For Carlo, it's better that he sits this one out." Schmidt made it clear in the bitter aftermath to last week's series-deciding loss that he felt Morgan's clear-out was illegal and the no-penalty decision went against World Rugby's campaign for player safety. While the New Zealander escaped sanction, World Rugby chief Alan Gilpin was unimpressed. Five days on and Schmidt wants to leave the saga in the past and focus on ensuring the Wallabies avoid becoming the first team to be whitewashed 3-0 in a Lions series in Australia since 1904. "You can lament all sorts of things," Schmidt said. "I actually feel like (Italian referee) Andrea Piardi had a good game. "There's a couple of decisions we might not agree with, but I thought he refereed well. So we're not looking at refereeing decisions. "We're looking at what we could have done better, making sure that we try to repair those things." With agencies Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt reckons resting Carlo Tizzano from the third Test against the British and Irish Lions is best for the flanker's welfare after becoming the target of online abuse. Tizzano has been omitted from the match-day 23 for Saturday's "dead rubber" in Sydney after being swept up in raging debate swirling around the Lions' last-gasp 29-26 second-Test win in Melbourne. The Wallabies were furious that Jac Morgan's clearout on Tizzano in the build-up to Hugo Keenan's final-minute try at the MCG last Saturday went unpunished by the officials. Lions flyhalf Finn Russell later accused Tizzano of making the most of the challenge, stating that he "obviously holds his head and tried to get a penalty from it", while former England flanker James Haskell declared the Wallabies replacement should have been sent off for "diving". Schmidt, though, insists it's all a matter of physics. "He's had a really tough week. He's copped a lot of online abuse," Schmidt told reporters. "The only thing I'd say in defence of Carlo is that there were just over 54 Gs of force that went directly through the neck, which is enough to cause serious injury, although not to a rugby player who is as well conditioned as Carlo. "We are all aware of Newton's third law - for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. "When that force hits him and the speed of his head collapsing down, he recoiled out the back of the ruck. "I don't think he wanted to recoil like that but that's the nature of force. That there is an equal and opposite reaction. "We weren't sure about him on Tuesday. He was still pretty sore. He was great today (Thursday). He was right back to the irrepressible character he is. "I've advised Carlo to stay away from the media full stop, and the opinions that are out there. For Carlo, it's better that he sits this one out." Schmidt made it clear in the bitter aftermath to last week's series-deciding loss that he felt Morgan's clear-out was illegal and the no-penalty decision went against World Rugby's campaign for player safety. While the New Zealander escaped sanction, World Rugby chief Alan Gilpin was unimpressed. Five days on and Schmidt wants to leave the saga in the past and focus on ensuring the Wallabies avoid becoming the first team to be whitewashed 3-0 in a Lions series in Australia since 1904. "You can lament all sorts of things," Schmidt said. "I actually feel like (Italian referee) Andrea Piardi had a good game. "There's a couple of decisions we might not agree with, but I thought he refereed well. So we're not looking at refereeing decisions. "We're looking at what we could have done better, making sure that we try to repair those things." With agencies
Perth Now
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
'Newton's third law': Schmidt defence of rested Tizzano
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt reckons resting Carlo Tizzano from the third Test against the British and Irish Lions is best for the flanker's welfare after becoming the target of online abuse. Tizzano has been omitted from the match-day 23 for Saturday's "dead rubber" in Sydney after being swept up in raging debate swirling around the Lions' last-gasp 29-26 second-Test win in Melbourne. The Wallabies were furious that Jac Morgan's clearout on Tizzano in the build-up to Hugo Keenan's final-minute try at the MCG last Saturday went unpunished by the officials. Lions flyhalf Finn Russell later accused Tizzano of making the most of the challenge, stating that he "obviously holds his head and tried to get a penalty from it", while former England flanker James Haskell declared the Wallabies replacement should have been sent off for "diving". Schmidt, though, insists it's all a matter of physics. "He's had a really tough week. He's copped a lot of online abuse," Schmidt told reporters. "The only thing I'd say in defence of Carlo is that there were just over 54 Gs of force that went directly through the neck, which is enough to cause serious injury, although not to a rugby player who is as well conditioned as Carlo. "We are all aware of Newton's third law - for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. "When that force hits him and the speed of his head collapsing down, he recoiled out the back of the ruck. "I don't think he wanted to recoil like that but that's the nature of force. That there is an equal and opposite reaction. "We weren't sure about him on Tuesday. He was still pretty sore. He was great today (Thursday). He was right back to the irrepressible character he is. "I've advised Carlo to stay away from the media full stop, and the opinions that are out there. For Carlo, it's better that he sits this one out." Schmidt made it clear in the bitter aftermath to last week's series-deciding loss that he felt Morgan's clear-out was illegal and the no-penalty decision went against World Rugby's campaign for player safety. While the New Zealander escaped sanction, World Rugby chief Alan Gilpin was unimpressed. Five days on and Schmidt wants to leave the saga in the past and focus on ensuring the Wallabies avoid becoming the first team to be whitewashed 3-0 in a Lions series in Australia since 1904. "You can lament all sorts of things," Schmidt said. "I actually feel like (Italian referee) Andrea Piardi had a good game. "There's a couple of decisions we might not agree with, but I thought he refereed well. So we're not looking at refereeing decisions. "We're looking at what we could have done better, making sure that we try to repair those things." With agencies
South Wales Guardian
6 hours ago
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Questioning Australia's future as Lions opponents is ‘insulting'
The Lions are seeking to complete a series whitewash when the rivals clash for the final time in Sydney on Saturday with Farrell making two changes to his starting XV, bringing in lock James Ryan and wing Blair Kinghorn. Australian rugby is facing significant challenges on and off the field and is the weakest of the three nations visited by the elite of British and Irish rugby, with South Africa and New Zealand completing the 12-year rotation. Our team for Saturday's third Test in Sydney! 🦁#Lions2025 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 31, 2025 Furthermore, there is growing support for the Lions to visit France because of the strength of their national side and club game, as well as the commercial possibilities. The Wallabies answered their critics at Melbourne Cricket Ground by taking the second Test to the wire in an all-time classic before falling 2-0 behind in the series when Hugo Keenan struck with 51 seconds left. When asked if Australia had earned the right to host another tour, Farrell replied: 'It was never off the agenda, in my opinion. 'Every single team, country and province have their ups and downs but Australia – the sporting nation that they are – are always going to come back. 'Have a look at the year they've got coming up. Come the 2027 World Cup they're going to be a force to be reckoned with, 100 per cent. 'It would be tragic not to tour here. We've had a blast. To me its insulting to talk about it in that kind of way.' Ryan replaces Ollie Chessum amid praise from Farrell for the 'venom' he shows when taking on the unglamorous work up-front, while Kinghorn has been preferred ahead of James Lowe thanks to his 'unpredictability' and the strength of his aerial game in what should be wet and windy conditions at Accor Stadium. But Farrell's warmest words were reserved for those players who had not participated in the series yet, having fully embraced the task of preparing the Test team to face the Wallabies. 'It actually touches you. It touches you in the sense of how much it means to them,' said Farrell, who by Saturday night will have used 27 players in the three matches against Australia. 'The ones who were celebrating most on Saturday night were the ones who hadn't put the shirt on. That says it all. 'We all came together from day one and said 'the only thing that matters is the squad and that's it, full stop'. So we've all been in this together from day one.' Farrell's success as Lions head coach – as well as his obvious passion for the concept – makes him overwhelming favourite to lead the next tour to New Zealand, but he is refusing to look beyond attending an Oasis concert at Croke Park upon his return home. Time for the final push 🦁#Lions2025 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 31, 2025 'Would I do this again? Give me a break would you! Let me get through Saturday. I have absolutely loved every single minute and I knew I would because I just love everything that the Lions is about,' he said. 'Thinking about the future is not something that is on my mind until I get home and have a bit of reflection on the whole thing. 'I'm definitely going to Oasis and that's why I'm going home! I'll be taking a few friends. There are a few coaches here that are trying to get on the bandwagon.'
