Wallabies now coached by Joe Schmidt

The 2023 Rugby World Cup proved to be one of the sporting events of the year, with South Africa showing their nerve to reign supreme once more. 

However, Australia’s showing in France was particularly underwhelming, exiting in the group stages and their performances sent shockwaves through punters and international betting sites alike. 

2024 will mark 25 years since Australia last won the Rugby World Cup and following their desperately poor showing in France in 2023, recreating that triumph seems further away than ever before. 
 
With Northern Hemisphere sides such as England, France and Ireland evolving, whilst the usual suspects of South Africa and New Zealand continually improving too – Australia have been left behind somewhat in the modern age of rugby union. 
 
However, the powers that be, have turned to Joe Schmidt, a highly regarded Irish coach, in an attempt to turn around their fortunes, with a visit from the British and Irish Lions coming up in 2025. 
 
Erratic Eddie 

Few figures in world sport are as enigmatic as Eddie Jones, with the former Japan and England coach well-known for his pre- and post-match comments. 
 
Jones was brought into lead Australia at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and whilst the decision was questioned in some quarters, it was felt that his experience of top-level rugby could prove telling. 
 
However, Jones did not have the desired effect with the Australian side, who failed to make it out of the pool stages, after losing to both Fiji and Wales. 
 
Time for change 

With Jones swiftly disposed of, Australia acted quickly in their pursuit of a new head coach and in Joe Schmidt they appear to have their first-choice candidate. 
 
Joe Schmidt is one of the shrewdest operators in world rugby, having progressed through the league system in New Zealand, to leading the Irish side though a period of great success. 
 
He will bring a real stability to Australian rugby union and there are plenty of online betting sites that are backing Schmidt to be successful in charge of the Wallabies.  
 
Lions Looming 

For all the talk and conjecture surrounding Schmidt, the task at hand for he and his side face in 2025 is huge, with the British & Irish Lions coming to town. 
 
It was the Lions who emerged victorious back in 2013 when they last toured Australia and how Joe Schmidt would love to help his side get revenge for that series loss next year. 
 
Added into the mix is the fact that Schmidt’s replacement at Ireland – Andy Farrell – will be coaching the Lions, only makes the narrative surrounding the series even more fascinating. 

The Australian rugby union side has struggled for consistency over the past few seasons and their plight has been noted by punters and online betting sites alike. 

Joe Schmidt has been instilled as the new Wallabies coach, as he looks to turn things around for the Australian side, with the Lions Tour on the horizon in 2025.