Schmidt says struggling Australia 'not far off' as he makes changes for Italy clash / Photo: © AFP
Schmidt says struggling Australia 'not far off' as he makes changes for Italy clash
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt insisted Thursday his struggling team were "not far off" as he rolled the dice with three changes for the Nations Championship clash with Italy in what will be his last Test in charge.
Australia desperately need a win in Perth on Saturday after just one in the last 10 games and six losses on the trot.
Schmidt will hand over to Les Kiss after the game, ending a disappointing tenure that has so far seen just 11 wins from his 30 Tests in charge since assuming control from Eddie Jones.
"You know, a couple of mistakes make the difference, but it's been incredibly frustrating, and it's been frustrating because I just keep feeling that we're not far off," said Schmidt.
"People will look at the results, and that's how you're judged. I fully understand that.
"But the number of tries we're scoring, the improvements we've seen in some of our set-piece work, I do feel like the brand of rugby we play is part of what's bringing crowds back to the game."
In a nod to the future, Schmidt has kept faith with rookie flyhalf Declan Meredith.
Meredith had a mixed showing on his debut last week during their horror 42-26 capitulation to France in Brisbane after leading 21-12 at half-time.
Schmidt pinpointed inexperience in the Wallabies' halves as part of the problem when France seized momentum, but has nevertheless stuck with him.
With a fit-again Ben Donaldson on the bench as flyhalf cover, Jock Campbell -- who played his first Test in four years against Ireland and came on as a substitute against France -- was dropped from the squad altogether.
Schmidt's other big call was leaving flanker Fraser McReight on the sidelines despite the Queensland Reds' star being immense in Brisbane.
Western Force's Carlo Tizzano will instead start in front of his home crowd with McReight set to add late firepower after Australia conceded 30 unanswered points to France in the second half.
Schmidt said McReight "had a bit of a knock" from the France game.
"Second part of it is Carlo's trained really well for us. He's never let us down when he has played for us," he added.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa, who played 77 minutes last weekend after starting hooker Josh Nasser copped a head knock, has kept the number two jersey.
In the only other change, Harry Potter starts on the left wing with Dylan Pietsch struggling from a calf injury.
Australia (15-1)
Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Harry Potter; Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Harry Wilson (capt), Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini; Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham; Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Angus Bell
Replacements: Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Miles Amatosero, Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu
(V.Blanchet--LPdF)
