What will Joe Schmidt’s legacy with Australia be?

Schmidt's tenure with the Wallabies ends next July

Listen | 30:25
Joe Schmidt looks on during Australia's warm up prior to their Quilter Nations Series 2025 loss against Italy at Stadio Friuli on November 08, 2025 in Udine, Italy. Photograph: Timothy Rogers/Getty Images
Joe Schmidt looks on during Australia's warm up prior to their Quilter Nations Series 2025 loss against Italy at Stadio Friuli on November 08, 2025 in Udine, Italy. Photograph: Timothy Rogers/Getty Images

After beating the Lions in the last Test and running them close in the series as a whole, Australia have gone downhill. They started this November window with a scare against Japan while last weekend saw a damaging defeat to Italy.

Where did it all go wrong? Joe Schmidt is in the twilight of his tenure in charge, finishing up next July. After the Lions recovery but subsequent demise, how will his time with the Wallabies be remembered?

Jonathan Drennan of the Sydney Morning Herald joins Nathan Johns to discuss.

Produced by John Casey.

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