Australia Coach Joe Schmidt: Wallabies Making Progress Despite Lions Loss

Australia coach Joe Schmidt believes the Wallabies are making progress despite a late series-deciding loss to the British & Irish Lions. Schmidt is confident his team is on an upward trajectory despite the 29-26 defeat in Melbourne. The Wallabies held an 18-point lead at one point before losing to a last-gasp Hugo Keenan try. Schmidt believes his team is building consistency and playing a brand of rugby that entertains and is enjoyable to play.

Australia coach Joe Schmidt remains optimistic about the Wallabies' progress despite a late series-deciding loss to the British & Irish Lions in Melbourne on July 27. The Wallabies, who led by 18 points at one stage, succumbed to a last-minute Hugo Keenan try, resulting in a 29-26 defeat [1].

Schmidt, who is confident in his team's trajectory, believes they are building consistency and playing a brand of rugby that both entertains and is enjoyable to play. "I think they are progressing," he said. "It's never linear. It always tends to ebb and flow. Our challenge is to try and be as consistent as we can, even within the game" [1].

The Wallabies' performance, despite holding a significant lead, has given Schmidt cause for optimism. He is particularly proud of the effort his players put in and disappointed for their loss. "I'm really proud of the effort the players put in and I'm really disappointed for them," he said [1].

The upcoming third test in Sydney next weekend may see the Wallabies without wing Harry Potter, who suffered a hamstring injury [1]. Schmidt is hopeful that Tom Donnelly, a former New Zealand lock, will join the coaching setup ahead of the Rugby Championship, replacing the departing Geoff Parling [1].

Schmidt's approach to the series has been criticized for its lack of passion and focus on tactical minutiae rather than the significance of the event. However, he maintains that he is preparing his players for the long term, emphasizing the importance of incremental progress and development [2].

The Wallabies' performance against the Lions has raised questions about Schmidt's tactical acumen and his ability to motivate his players in such a high-stakes series. Despite these criticisms, Schmidt remains committed to his approach, stating that he is not going to wallow in self-pity and will continue to focus on the team's growth and development [1].

References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/sports/wallabies-are-making-progress-despite-lions-loss-says-coach-schmidt-2025-07-27/
[2] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2025/07/25/somebody-remind-dreary-joe-schmidt-what-lions-is-about/