How does Joe Schmidt’s current squad compare to the last time the Wallabies faced Ireland?
It’s been two years since Australia ran out at Lansdowne Road to play Ireland. Both squads have seen their fair share of turnover in that time, which is to be expected with the peak of a World Cup taking place in that period. France 2023, remember it? I think Wallabies fans have found a kindred spirit in the Irish, another team who’d rather forget the pain.
But both teams aren’t running away from said pain, they’re fronting up to it. Yes, Australia’s post-WC breakup has been a little more public, but the hiring of Joe Schmidt has turned the tide for the Wallabies. There have been early pain points for Australia but with an eye on next year’s Lions Tour, the pain will be worth the gain.
Ireland are Six Nations champions but it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. After their quarter-final exit in France, Ireland said goodbye to their greatest-ever player, Johnny Sexton. Sexton was still playing at a world-class level at 38, which was quite frankly astonishing. His durability was constantly being questioned and was even cited by Warren Gatland as a key reason why he was left out of the Lions tour.
Jack Crowley has had first crack at the coveted No.10 jersey, steering Ireland to a Six Nations championship and a drawn series against South Africa. Ireland peaked against South Africa but did stumble through the Six Nations and ended rather flatly against Scotland at home. An unconvincing championship despite lifting the trophy – first world problems.
Since then, Crowley has faced competition from Ciaran Frawley and Sam Prendergast for minutes in the No.10 shirt, and with Andy Farrell stepping away from Ireland to take charge of the Lions, he will want to use this Test against Australia to learn more about his fly-halves before handing over to Simon Easterby.
Ireland beat Australia last time around, 13-10. (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Let’s take a look at the Wallabies squad that ran out last time versus Ireland (November 19, 2022) and how it compares to Joe Schmidt’s current group.
– James Slipper C (in the current travelling squad)
– Dave Porecki (missing while recovering from an Achilles injury)
– Allan Alaalatoa (started versus Scotland last week)
– Nick Frost (sprung from the bench against Scotland)
– Cadeyrn Neville (has not been involved with the Wallabies this year)
– Jed Holloway (not involved this year, currently on a short-term deal with Leicester Tigers)
– Michael Hooper (has since retired from international rugby)
– Rob Valetini (started at No.6 versus Scotland)
– Nic White (in the current squad, has started games)
– Bernard Foley (not involved with the Wallabies, playing in Japan)
– Tom Wright (started versus Scotland at fullback)
– Hunter Paisami (has been a starter this year, didn’t travel north with an injury)
– Len Ikitau (reborn this year, started versus Scotland)
– Mark Nawaqanitawase (currently playing NRL)
– Andrew Kellaway (started last weekend versus Scotland on the wing)
– Folau Fainga’a (not involved, playing in France)
– Tom Robertson (initially travelled with the squad but has since returned home with injury)
– Taniela Tupou (in the current squad, nursing a knee injury)
– Will Skelton (returned to the squad for the NH tour, not yet clear if he’s available)
– Pete Samu (not involved in the squad, currently playing in France)
– Jake Gordon (started last weekend versus Scotland)
– Noah Lolesio (started last weekend versus Scotland)
– Jordan Petaia (reported to follow Louis Rees-Zammit to the NFL, not included in Reds 2025 squad)
Len Ikitau. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
The most glaring difference in this squad is that Michael Hooper is no longer involved. Still only 33 years of age, he retired from Australian rugby earlier this year.
With 18 debutants this year, it’s safe to say that Joe Schmidt is looking to evolve his squad. He’s also taken established internationals and given them more responsibility, giving the team a new look and feel.
Schmidt has invigorated the likes of Nick Frost, Harry Wilson, Noah Lolesio, Len Ikitau and Tom Wright. All previously capped at international level, these players look brand new and are flourishing under Schmidt’s coaching and game plan.
They now form Australia’s spine, and are vital players not only for this week’s Test against Ireland, but for the Wallabies’ future.
