Wallabies target second-half collapse as Schmidt era ends against Italy in Perth

Australia have identified a recurring second-half vulnerability as the defining challenge ahead of their Nations Championship match against Italy in Perth, with outside centre Len Ikitau calling for the Wallabies to be “up for it” from the first whistle after the break.

The Wallabies have led at half-time in each of their last two Tests, only to be overhauled by Ireland and France in the second period. Last weekend in Brisbane, Les Bleus scored 30 unanswered points to complete a 42-26 victory — a result that extended Australia’s winless run stretching back to October 25.

“The last two weeks have been pretty disappointing for us,” Ikitau told reporters. “I feel like we’ve been really good in the first half but the second half, for us, has been a massive work on. We just finished a session today and I think the boys trained well and we’re excited for Italy this week.”

The match also carries added significance as it will serve as the farewell fixture for head coach Joe Schmidt, who is stepping down and will be replaced by Les Kiss ahead of a Test against Japan in Townsville on August 8.

For both sides, the Perth fixture is a first-ever meeting, though Italy have won the last two encounters between the nations and arrive with a chance to extend that sequence. The Wallabies, meanwhile, have not beaten the Azzurri since 2018.

“Every opportunity you get to represent the Wallabies in Australia, you don’t take it lightly,” Ikitau added. “But for us, there’s no excuses. We’ve got a massive break after this game so I just think everyone’s keen to go out there and put in a good performance that not only we’re proud of but Australia and the fans.”

Australia have three home Tests remaining this international season, including fixtures against the Springboks at Optus Stadium in Perth and the All Blacks in Sydney.