If this weekend’s match was meant to boost Australia’s confidence ahead of the British & Irish Lions series, it didn’t exactly go to plan.
The Wallabies scraped a narrow 21-18 win over Fiji, but the performance left head coach Joe Schmidt with more questions than answers.
This was Australia’s only Test before facing the Lions, and while the late win might look good on paper, the game told a more sobering story.
Fiji Outmuscle Wallabies and Dominate Physically
From the outset, it was clear that Fiji weren’t just there to make up the numbers.
They brought serious physicality and smart tactics that left Australia looking flat-footed for long stretches.
The Wallabies struggled to match their intensity and were often outmuscled at the breakdown.
Even star man Joseph Suaalii, the young talent many hoped would light up the game, was kept surprisingly quiet.
Fiji had clearly done their homework, and it paid off.
Costly Mistakes and Risky Decisions Haunt Australia
One of the more frustrating moments came just before halftime.
Instead of simply kicking the ball out and going into the break, the Wallabies tried to play on—with the clock already in the red.
The result? A turnover and a crucial try for Fiji.
They also turned down opportunities to take easy points from penalties, opting to push for tries instead.
With the game as close as it was, those decisions could’ve easily backfired.
Joe Schmidt Admits Wallabies Aren’t Ready Yet
After the match, Joe Schmidt wasn’t sugar-coating anything.
When asked if his side looked ready to face the Lions, he said plainly:
“I’m not a really confident sort of person… There’s not real confidence, but there’s a quiet resolve.”
He made it clear that the Wallabies aren’t there yet.
But he believes that with time and hard work, they can build the momentum needed.
“We didn’t play well enough today for people to expect we’ll just roll into Brisbane and knock over the Lions,” he added.
Injuries Add to Australia’s Growing Concerns
As if a shaky performance wasn’t enough, the Wallabies also walked away with fresh injury concerns.
Hooker Dave Porecki and fly-half Noah Lolesio both picked up knocks, and their availability for the Lions series is now uncertain.
There’s also hope that Will Skelton, the powerful lock who adds much-needed grunt to the Australian pack, will be fit in time.
Without him, their physical presence looked sorely lacking.
Looking Ahead to the Lions with a Lot to Prove
With less than two weeks until the opening Test against the British & Irish Lions in Brisbane, the Wallabies know they need a big turnaround.
The good news? They have time.
The bad news? The Lions won’t be nearly as forgiving as Fiji.
For now, Schmidt and his team will be going back to the drawing board—hoping that their “quiet resolve” becomes something much louder when it counts.