Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has outlined his strategic approach for the upcoming series against the British & Irish Lions, emphasizing the need for consistency and avoiding their 'kryptonite'—situations where they struggle to defend against efficient teams. Schmidt, who has a decade of elite coaching experience, discussed his plans during a media session in Sydney.

Key Points from Schmidt's Strategy

1. Consistency in Performance: Schmidt highlighted the importance of maintaining performance levels throughout the game, learning from past experiences where leads were lost due to defensive lapses.
2. Inclusion of Uncapped Players: He mentioned several uncapped players from the Super Rugby season who have caught his eye, indicating a potential infusion of new talent into the squad.
3. Preparation for the Lions Series: Schmidt is working towards an initial squad of around 38 players for the Test against Fiji, with plans to reduce the squad for the Lions series. He emphasized the importance of players continuing to perform well in their Super Rugby teams.

Reflections on 2024 Season

Schmidt reflected on the 2024 season, noting improvements in set-piece consistency and defensive strategies. Despite a challenging Rugby Championship, the Wallabies showed signs of progress with an upset win over England and a strong performance against Wales.

Looking Ahead

Schmidt is optimistic about the Wallabies' chances against the Lions, provided they stick to their game plan and avoid the pitfalls that have cost them in the past. He also discussed the potential role of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who is expected to play a significant part in the series despite recent injuries.

Final Thoughts

Schmidt's approach is methodical and focused on leveraging the strengths of his squad while addressing areas of weakness. His experience and strategic insights will be crucial as the Wallabies prepare to face one of rugby's most formidable opponents.