Australian rugby pundit Matt Williams has praised the remarkable transformation of the Wallabies under the guidance of Joe Schmidt, highlighting improvements that, according to him, did not require “rocket science.” This transformation has been evident since the Wallabies’ impressive start to the Rugby Championship, where they defeated South Africa in Johannesburg and narrowly lost in Cape Town.
Williams, who previously served as head coach at Leinster before Schmidt took over in 2010, has offered a detailed analysis of the recent changes in Australian rugby. The Wallabies are now gearing up to host Argentina in Townsville, marking a new chapter in their journey.
The Road to Recovery
The Wallabies’ resurgence follows a period of turmoil, marked by the controversial sacking of Dave Rennie and the subsequent appointment of Eddie Jones. Under Jones, the team faced a historic pool stage elimination at the World Cup. However, Schmidt’s appointment as head coach in 2024, after his tenure as an assistant with the All Blacks, has ushered in a new era for the team.
Schmidt’s influence was immediately felt, with the Wallabies defeating England at Twickenham last November and putting up a strong fight against the British and Irish Lions. They also broke a 62-year losing streak at Ellis Park against the Springboks, a feat that has not gone unnoticed.
“Schmidt deserves every piece of praise that comes his way,” Williams stated in his latest column for the Irish Times. “The path he has followed to move the Wallabies from farcical performances at the last World Cup to their current form has not taken rocket science.”
Strategic Appointments and Fitness Focus
Delving into the reasons behind the improvement, Williams highlighted Schmidt’s strategic appointments of experienced coaches like Mike Cron and Laurie Fisher. These “old warriors” have played a crucial role in leading a young team that had lost its identity and confidence.
Williams also emphasized the importance of fitness, a fundamental aspect that had been lacking in Australian rugby. “An absolutely crucial aspect of the Wallabies’ improvement is that Schmidt has worked these Wallabies into supreme condition,” he noted. “Sports psychologists will testify that a big benefit of physical fitness is a lift in self-belief and confidence.”
Structural Changes and Strategic Decisions
Schmidt has also benefited from strategic decisions made by Rugby Australia, such as the difficult but necessary move to cut the Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby franchise. This allowed for a more concentrated talent pool in the remaining four Super teams, which performed admirably in 2025.
Understanding the importance of experience, Schmidt has maintained a core group of players, including captain Harry Wilson, and worked to reintegrate overseas-contracted players like Will Skelton into the team. These decisions have been pivotal for a nation with a relatively small rugby talent pool.
“Winning is a habit, and in 2025 the Australian Super teams performed to far higher standards than they have for many seasons,” Williams observed.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the progress, Schmidt’s tenure has not been without challenges. Williams acknowledged a record loss in Argentina as a low point. However, he remains optimistic about the future under Schmidt’s leadership.
“The culmination of all of these decisions is that Schmidt now has a competitive group of about 25 international quality players that he can select from,” Williams concluded. “The Wallabies have played magnificent, intelligent, running rugby that has tapped into both the Australian tradition and spirit.”
As the Wallabies prepare for their upcoming match against Argentina, the rugby world watches closely. With a long season ahead, the team’s newfound form under “Wallaby Joe” Schmidt offers hope and excitement for fans and players alike.
