For the first time in memory, the Wallabies have ventured up north and, for once, even they recognise they’re rank outsiders. The usual bullish Wallabies have barely whispered about the possibility of ending their 40-year grand slam drought. That’s what comes after not just years, but a generation of defeat.
Instead, Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies have spoken about the need to build from their Rugby Championship campaign where they finished with just one victory from six Tests. Usually, a coach’s future would be on the chopping block with results like that. But after three coaches in as many years, the penny has dropped that the Wallabies’ tale of woe extends beyond the coach.
Nonetheless, there is the expectation that the Wallabies will compete against Steve Borthwick’s English, especially after yet another close defeat to the All Blacks left a strong waft of trepidation and anxiety in the air at Twickenham. Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies are days out from their opening Grand Slam Test against England. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) As the Wallabies know, especially their former coach Dave Rennie, gallant defeats only give someone so much time, especially when they add up one after the other.
Indeed, the last time the Wallabies ventured to these corners of the world in 2022, Rennie’s side lost three consecutive Tests by a combined total of five points but that wasn’t enough to spare him the axe. The Wallabies will come up against an English side that is used to .
