Schmidt Departs Wallabies After 57-10 Rout of Italy in Perth

Full text

Australia’s lack of forwards remains a problem, but the departing coach raised the ceiling and left a deeper and more experienced group.

Australia ended the Joe Schmidt era like a struggling restaurant producing one of its finest meals on the night the head chef handed back his keys. Everything came together: the service was sharp, the ingredients were handled with care, but loyal patrons left wondering why the place could not function like this every week.

Italy were swept aside 57-10 in Perth on Saturday. Josh Canham completed a hat-trick as the home side produced the sort of precise, powerful performance that offered a tribute to their departing coach and a reminder of why his spell has been so difficult to judge.

Continue reading...