Australia show flashes of greatness, but costly lapses challenge the idea of a revival. They need to find their rhythmIs it better to be a consistently good team or an occasionally brilliant one? We’ll find out by the end of Australia’s European tour. But now, after a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/nov/08/rugby-union-italy-australia-louis-lynagh-wallabies-report">26–19 loss to Italy in Udine</a> – their second defeat in as many matches on this crucial trip – the answer seems obvious. Because despite the Wallabies’ flashes of brilliance throughout the Joe Schmidt era, their inability to deliver steadily could yet prove costly.At present, the Wallabies are ranked seventh on World Rugby’s charts. If that doesn’t change, the hosts of the 2027 World Cup will be drawn alongside one of the top six teams in the group phase. Even if they progress, Australia would likely face another stiff challenge at the first knockout stage. That’s not the kind of jeopardy a rugby nation of this pedigree should be flirting with. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/nov/09/is-it-better-to-be-occasionally-brilliant-or-consistently-good-ask-the-wallabies">Continue reading...</a>

The Australian rugby team, the Wallabies, suffered a 26–19 defeat to Italy, marking their second consecutive loss during their European tour. This inconsistency raises concerns about their potential for success, especially with the 2027 World Cup approaching, where their current seventh ranking could lead to challenging matchups in the group phase. The team's ability to find a steady rhythm is crucial for their revival.

Is it better to be occasionally brilliant or consistently good? Ask the Wallabies | Daniel Gallan

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