Australia ended Joe Schmidt's tenure with a commanding 57-10 win over Italy in Perth, a result that stopped a six-game losing streak and gave the Wallabies their first victory of the Nations Championship campaign. Josh Canham's hat-trick was the standout in a performance that was stronger, sharper and far more convincing than anything Australia had produced in recent weeks.
That matters because Italy have not been an opponent Australia can take lightly. The visitors had already shown they can cause damage, with shock victories in 2022 and 2025 part of the recent backdrop, while the week before this Test they had been beaten 47-17 by the All Blacks. Gonzalo Quesada was also under extra scrutiny after World Rugby suspended him for calling Luc Ramos “super poor”.
Canham gives Australia the edge
The simplest way to explain the contest is that Australia were far more effective in the key moments. Canham, playing his third Test, scored three tries and gave the match an obvious individual headline, but this was not only about one lock finishing well. It was also about Australia controlling enough of the game to turn pressure into points.
The scoreline moved steadily in the Wallabies' favour, with the game reaching 12-0, 19-0, 24-5, 31-5, 38-5 and later 45-10 before the final gap opened further to 57-10. Australia also finished with 68% possession, a figure that underlined how much of the match they played on the front foot.
What the result means for Schmidt and Kiss
For Schmidt, this was a fitting final Test in charge. The result does not erase the difficult period that came before it, but it does give Australia a clean finish after a run that had threatened to define the campaign. Les Kiss now inherits a side that has at least rediscovered some momentum.
There is still work to do, of course. Italy were able to ask questions in phases, and Australia have not suddenly become finished products. But after nine of their last 10 Tests had brought frustration, the Wallabies needed a response, and in Perth they got one in emphatic fashion.
For Italy, the result is another reminder that the margins at this level are unforgiving. For Australia, it was a first win of the Nations Championship campaign, a clear lift after recent setbacks, and a night when Josh Canham made sure the final image was a decisive one.
