Australia end Schmidt era with Italy rout

Australia 57-10 Italy, Perth

Australia ended Joe Schmidt’s time as head coach with a commanding 57-10 win over Italy in Perth, snapping a six-match losing streak in emphatic fashion.

The Wallabies produced their sharpest performance of the Nations Championship, overwhelming Italy with pace, accuracy and forward power. Josh Canham was the standout, scoring a hat-trick in just his third Test as Australia dominated the set piece and controlled the breakdown.

Australia Make Blistering Start

Australia started with real intent and scored first after a powerful maul carried them 20 metres. The pressure ended with Canham crossing in the corner.

The Wallabies struck again when Tom Wright broke through the Italian defence and later ran on to a fine Allan Alaalatoa offload to score. Australia’s fast start continued when they stole a lineout and Harry Potter sliced through before linking with support runners. Brandon Paenga-Amosa then forced his way over from close range to make it 19-0 inside 12 minutes.

Italy gradually settled and pulled five points back when captain Michele Lamaro reached the line despite Potter’s covering tackle.

Canham Hat-Trick Powers Wallabies

Australia quickly regained control. Max Jorgensen had a try denied, but the Wallabies continued to press and Canham barged over for his second try.

The home side kept their momentum as a clean lineout and driving maul sent Angus Bell over, before the backs joined the scoring. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Len Ikitau were heavily involved in midfield, and Ikitau crossed on the half-time siren to give Australia a remarkable 38-5 lead.

Wallabies Finish Strongly

Italy started the second half with more purpose and scored through Monty Ioane in the left corner to make it 38-10. Australia, however, avoided the fade-outs that had hurt them in previous weeks.

Rob Valetini’s powerful carry put Italy under pressure again, and Canham completed his hat-trick soon after. Ryan Lonergan added the conversion to make it 45-10.

Carlo Tizzano also made a strong impact in his hometown, producing energetic defence and breakdown work before leaving the field midway through the second half.

Miles Amatosero came on to make his Test debut, becoming Schmidt’s 27th debutant in 31 Tests. A late scuffle then saw Italy prop Marco Riccioni shown a red card for punching.

Australia had the final word when Ben Donaldson scored on the siren, sealing Schmidt’s biggest win as Wallabies coach and giving incoming coach Les Kiss a strong platform to build from.