3 minute read
Australia began life under the leadership of new head coach Joe Schmidt with a 25-16 victory over Wales in Sydney on Saturday.
Following their humiliating exit at the 2023 World Cup changes were made by the Wallabies, the biggest being Schmidt taking over as coach, replacing Eddie Jones.
All eyes were on his first game against Wales and, although the performance was far from perfect, it was certainly a step in the right direction.
Beginning the new era with a win was the most important thing, and the Wallabies managed to get the job done.
There were plenty of positives and on the whole Schmidt will be happy to have begun his reign with a win.
But what did we learn from the gritty win over Wales?
Winning is all that matters
The victory over Wales was not perfect, but at the end of the day the most important thing was the Wallabies won the game.
It is a results business and if the Wallabies win games then all will be good in the world.
Ideally the Wallabies would not only win, but do it in style. However, that cannot always be the case and sometimes you have to grind it out and win ugly.
The Wallabies were not at their best, but showed good character to get the win. The way Schmidt's side got the result bodes well for the future.
Changes pay off
Schmidt made a host of changes to the starting XV for his first game in charge.
Only seven players from the defeat to Wales in the World Cup,survived the cull, as the new Wallabies boss made a statement.
Jeremy Williams, Josh Flook, Isaac Kailea, Angus Blyth, Charlie Cale and Tom Lynagh all impressed on debut, while Liam Wright and Filipo Daugunu also impressed on their return.
Now all eyes will be on the coaches selections for his next squad, and whether he sticks with the same 23.
Wallabies do it the Wright way
Fullback Tom Wright provided the highlight of the game when scoring a stunning match-winning try in the 66th minute.
Wright's involvement in the game had been relatively quiet up until that point, but as all class players tend to do, he stepped up to the plate when needed.
Leaving the Wales players for dust, Wright raced 68 metres to score a solo try worthy of winning any game on any stage.
No room for complacency
It was a great start for Schmidt, but he will be well aware there can be no room for complacency heading into the re-match in Melbourne.
The Wallabies won some of the big moments in the game, but on another day it could quite easily have gone the other way.
Wales will have learnt a lot from the defeat and, after getting a close-up look at the Wallabies, should come out fighting at AAMI Park.
The Wallabies are 1.22 to win the game, while Wales can be backed at 4.33 and the tie is available at 26.00.
