Wallabies Coach Joe Schmidt Calls on Revived Aussies to Keep the Momentum Going

The Wallabies’ coaching group chat is alive with enthusiasm.

While Joe Schmidt, the head coach, is thrilled with the impressive start to Australia’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign, he is insisting that the four participating clubs continue to harness that momentum in this crucial year for the British and Irish Lions.

In an astonishing turn of events, the only two unbeaten sides in the competition are the NSW Waratahs, boasting a 3-0 record, and the 2-0 Queensland Reds, who are set to face the Crusaders in Christchurch for an intriguing Sunday afternoon contest.

If the Reds manage to secure a victory against the Crusaders, it will mark just the second instance in Super Rugby history of a winless weekend for the New Zealand teams.

The last time the Kiwis went 0-5 was during round 12 in 2000, a season when the Crusaders ultimately claimed the championship.

The last non-New Zealand team to lift the trophy was Michael Cheika’s Waratahs in 2014, but this year the Waratahs, Queensland, and the ACT Brumbies are all emerging as serious contenders for the finals.

The Brumbies made headlines over the weekend with an upset victory over the defending champions, the Blues, at Eden Park on Friday night.

Coach Stephen Larkham couldn’t hold back his emotion after securing the club’s first win at New Zealand’s rugby stronghold since 2013.

“It’s still early in the season, so there’s still a long way to go, and I have no doubt the Blues will find their form again,” Schmidt, a former assistant coach with the Blues, remarked to Stan Sport in Sydney on Saturday.

NEW PODCAST! The Inside Line team dives into the Wallabies’ policy regarding departing players at season’s end, along with the secrets behind the strongest start to a Super Rugby season.

“They didn’t suddenly become champions last year and cease being competitive this year. They were a bit underdone, but you could really see the enthusiasm from the Brumbies players.

“Steve’s usually pretty laid-back, but even he seemed quite excited about this one.

“I caught up with him in the morning before the match, and he’s very meticulous about his preparations. Rod Seib and Benny Mowen (both assistant coaches) are doing a fantastic job; the coaching depth is impressive.”

Schmidt will step down as Wallabies coach after this year’s Rugby Championship, with Larkham, Les Kiss (Reds), and Dan McKellar (Waratahs) seeming to be in a close race to take over his position.

“It’s been a very open process. We’ve really enjoyed chatting with the coaches and players alike,” Schmidt shared.

“It’s an exciting time, and a couple of the coaches will be present tonight at the Waratahs vs. Western Force match.

“In our group chat, we’re constantly messaging throughout the game. ‘Did you just see that? What about this?’

“We compile all this throughout the week… during these early rounds, the player profiles are looking strong—the rugby, the confidence, and the variety of players stepping up.”

Schmidt was specifically asked about the hot start to the season by Force No.10 Ben Donaldson, just before the Waratahs game.

“Donno has really hit the ground running. His kicking game has been fantastic, especially that lightning break that led to his nail-biter try against Moana (Pasifika) in the opening game—he’s been brilliant,” he noted.

“There’s always areas where we’re encouraging players to improve. Those are conversations that Donno shares with (Force coach) Simon Cron and our coaching staff, which is fantastic.”