Joe Schmidt on whether Wallabies are now ready for B&I Lions

Australia boss Joe Schmidt is optimistic that next summer’s British and Irish Lions series will be competitive following an agonising 22-19 defeat to Andy Farrell’s Ireland in Dublin. Former Ireland head coach Schmidt looked set to enjoy a memorable return to the Aviva Stadium before Gus McCarthy’s late try snatched victory for the hosts.

The Wallabies, who endured a miserable 2023 World Cup under Eddie Jones, do not play another Test match before the first of three showdowns with Farrell’s Lions next summer. Following wins over England and Wales and a defeat to Scotland this month, Schmidt believes there are encouraging signs from his team but concedes there is plenty to work on looking ahead to 2025.

“Maybe not yet,” he replied, when asked if his squad are ready to take on the Lions. “But I think – and I hope – our supporters and supporters of the Lions can see enough in what we have delivered in these last four weeks to think that they are going to be entertained and that it is going to be a contest.

Lions tour debate after Autumn Nations Series | RPTV

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Lions tour debate after Autumn Nations Series | RPTV

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“That is what I would love to see; maybe not yet, we have still got some work to do, for sure. There were times tonight where we have still got some guys who have only played a couple of Tests and they are still learning, and they are not going to get a lot of learning as far as Test matches are concerned next year but the Super Rugby window will be great for them, to build again.

“The Super Rugby coaches, I talk to them often and we are going to try to keep building that momentum, and by the time the Lions arrive, I’m hoping you will see a Wallaby team worthy of taking them on head on.”

Replacement hooker McCarthy touched down seven minutes from time to ensure Ireland boss Farrell signed off for his period of leave with the Lions in victorious fashion.

Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris also crossed for the Guinness Six Nations champions on a landmark afternoon when Cian Healy moved ahead of Brian O’Driscoll as the country’s outright most-capped player and Irish rugby marked its 150th anniversary.

Australia had threatened to spoil the party and led for the majority of an engrossing encounter, including 13-5 at half-time, thanks to Max Jorgensen’s score and four penalties and a conversion from fly-half Noah Lolesio.