Wallabies Aim to Honor Joe Schmidt with Win Against Ireland

The Wallabies are gearing up for a crucial test match against Ireland on October 28, 2023, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. With two consecutive defeats against England and Italy, the team is under pressure to perform. This match marks a significant occasion as it will be the final game for head coach Joe Schmidt, who is set to hand over the reins to his former assistant, Les Kiss, next summer.

The Wallabies have struggled recently, averaging just 15 points per game in their last three matches, which included encounters with Japan, England, and Italy. Key players such as Will Skelton and Carter Gordon are unavailable, leaving the squad with a challenging task ahead. Fullback Max Jorgensen, returning to the starting lineup after illness, acknowledged the need to improve their attacking strategy.

“It’s definitely easier to get involved as a fullback, but over the past couple of weeks, we haven’t been at our best,” Jorgensen stated. He emphasized that the focus this week has been on enhancing their attack, which has not lived up to expectations. “We really know that we haven’t been at our best for these past two games, and we’re looking to switch that up this weekend.”

In a tactical change, James O’Connor will don the gold jersey at fly-half, stepping in for Gordon due to a quad injury. O’Connor played a pivotal role in Australia’s standout performance earlier this year, leading the team to a remarkable 38-22 victory over South Africa at Ellis Park. Back rower Rob Valetini spoke highly of O’Connor’s contributions to the squad, noting his communication skills and experience.

“I think he adds a lot of voice, first of all. He’s out there talking and giving us direction,” Valetini said. He underscored the importance of O’Connor’s familiarity with the game, stating, “His ability to use the ball and talk with the forwards and backs puts everyone on the same page.”

Ireland, on the other hand, faces its own challenges as they seek to integrate younger players while many of their key athletes are over 30. Valetini believes that the Wallabies’ youthful roster, combined with O’Connor’s experience, offers an advantage in this matchup.

“His wealth of knowledge and experience is invaluable. When he speaks, the boys listen,” Valetini added. The dynamic between youth and experience could be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.

As Schmidt prepares for his final outing with the Wallabies, Jorgensen expressed hope for a positive conclusion to his tenure. “Joe’s been great for us over these past two years and really turned the team around from what it was before,” he said. “We can harness that and send him off on a high with these last two games, especially against Ireland.”

The Wallabies will also benefit from their prior encounters with this Irish team, having faced many of their players during the summer’s Lions tour. Jorgensen noted that this familiarity could aid their preparation. “It definitely helps having gone up against them earlier in the year. We played most of them, so it’s good to get that in and know the players a bit better.”

With the stakes high and emotions running deep, the Wallabies will look to deliver a memorable performance in Dublin, aiming to honor Schmidt by securing a win against a formidable Irish side.