Wallabies Coach Joe Schmidt Gambles on Selection for Final Test Against Italy

Outgoing Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has rolled the dice in his final Test selection, notably dropping openside flanker Fraser McReight to the reserves bench for Saturday night's match against Italy in Perth.

“

McReight scored two tries and was the Wallabies' best player in their 42-26 Nations Championship loss to France in Brisbane last Saturday night.

McReight was a standout performer in the recent 42-26 loss to France, scoring two tries. However, Carlo Tizzano will start in the number seven jersey, eager to impress in his first Test of 2026 on home soil. This decision marks a significant gamble for Schmidt in his last game in charge.

“

But Carlo Tizzano will start in the number seven jersey, with the Western Force star keen to impress in his first Test of 2026 in front of his home fans in Perth.

Further selection surprises include Declan Meredith retaining the fly-half position. Meredith debuted against France due to injuries to Ben Donaldson and Carter Gordon. While Donaldson has proven his fitness, he will start from the bench, pushing fullback Jock Campbell out of the match-day squad entirely. Harry Potter is set to start on the wing, replacing the calf-injured Dylan Pietsch. Waratahs lock Miles Amatosero is also in line for his Wallabies debut from the bench.

“

Donaldson proved his fitness this week but will come off the bench.

The eighth-ranked Wallabies are desperate to snap a six-match losing streak against world number 10 Italy, who are also winless in the Nations Championship. Schmidt's tenure has been challenging, with nine losses in his last 10 matches. A loss in his final game would mean Schmidt ends his reign with the worst winning percentage of any Wallabies coach in the professional era.

“

A loss in his final match in charge would result in Schmidt ending his reign with the worst winning percentage of any Wallabies coach in the professional era.