Wallabies host Italy in Perth with coach Schmidt's final match

The Wallabies will play Italy in a Nations Championship Test match in Perth on Saturday evening. m. local time. Coach Joe Schmidt has made several changes to the matchday squad following a 42-26 loss to France in Brisbane the previous week. Carlo Tizzano will start at openside flanker, with Fraser McReight named among the reserves.

Declan Meredith remains at fly half, and lock Miles Amatosero is listed as a reserve.

The starting lineup includes Tom Wright at fullback, Max Jorgensen on the right wing, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at outside centre, Len Ikitau at inside centre, Harry Potter on the left wing, Declan Meredith at fly half, Ryan Lonergan at scrum half, Harry Wilson as captain and number eight, Carlo Tizzano at openside flanker, Rob Valetini at blindside flanker, Jeremy Williams and Josh Canham in the second row, Allan Alaalatoa at tighthead prop, Brandon Paenga-Amosa at hooker, and Angus Bell at loosehead prop.

The reserve bench consists of Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Miles Amatosero, Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, and Filipo Daugunu.

This match marks Schmidt's final game in charge of the Wallabies. His record stands at 11 wins from 30 Tests. A loss would give him the lowest winning percentage of any Wallabies coach in the professional era. Schmidt took over after the team's pool-stage exit at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The side recorded notable victories during his time, including a 38-22 win over South Africa in Johannesburg in August 2025 and a 42-37 victory against England at Twickenham in 2024. The team has lost nine of its past ten Tests.