Joe Schmidt era staggers to a close as shellshocked Wallabies face Italy | Angus Fontaine

Australia have lost their last two against the Azzurri and if they fall again, the departing coach’s win-loss record will fall below 36% The bell has rung on final drinks at the last chance saloon and the Wallabies need to shout Joe Schmidt something powerful in this week’s must-win Test against Italy in Perth before their battle-weary boss exits as coach and staggers into retirement. Last week against France , the champagne stayed on ice as Les Bleus roared back from 21-12 down at half-time to score 30 unanswered points and triumph 42-26. The week before, Ireland overturned a 24-19 deficit at the break to run away with the Nations Championship opener by 33-31. Continue reading...