The Joe Schmidt question emerging for resurgent Wallabies

The Wallabies are going toe-to-toe with the big dogs of World Rugby once again after some lowly years fans would rather forget, and in the wake of their latest performance, the impending departure of coach Joe Schmidt has come into sharp focus.

In recent years, beating the Springboks at Ellis Park would have been seen as something akin to a fluke. But with the weekend’s rampant 38-22 victory in Johannesburg coming after a Lions series that turned in the Wallabies’ favour as it progressed, and after an Autumn Nations Series where Six Nations heavyweights were felled, the result is seemingly indicative of something greater.

The Wallabies might just be finding their mojo again, with new stars shining and old heads returning to form. The man at the helm, though, is on his way out the door.

Joe Schmidt has attempted to leave international rugby behind on several occasions over the past few years, but the game has resisted his departure. The All Blacks came calling ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and then the Wallabies’ top job opened up following the tournament. Schmidt has answered the call and prolonged his Test career time and time again.

However, an end date has now been set, with Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss in line to inherit the Wallabies whistle in mid-2026, meaning Schmidt will finally bid farewell to the arena he has contributed so much to.

While the Kiwi will leave the gold jersey in a far better place than where he found it, the recent uptick in results under his stewardship has pundits wondering ‘what if’.

“The one concern I have looking forward is, man, how important is Joe Schmidt and his departure going to be? It just seems like, if they could keep him around for a home Rugby World Cup, it would be massive,” former All Black James Parsons said on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.

“And it’s nothing against Les Kiss, bring Les Kiss on the journey, but man, he’s (Schmidt’s) finally got the cut-through you need. To then remove him is big.”

While the podcast panel conceded that that ship had sailed, former Crusaders halfback Bryn Hall put forward the idea of keeping Schmidt in the Rugby Australia ecosystem with a Director of Rugby-type role.

“Somehow, you’ve got to have him in there,” he said. “They’ve found this window now that they’ve broken through, through the British & Irish Lions Series, getting the win in South Africa. I know there are bigger reasons why he doesn’t want to be with the Wallabies post this year, but I thought exactly the same thing; how can we keep him around, because it seems like they’re on a trajectory going up.”

Schmidt has made clear his desire to spend more time at home with his family and his son in particular, who has severe epilepsy.

James Parsons had strong doubts over Hall’s idea of offering Schmidt a different role to stay attached to the Wallabies, saying it wouldn’t happen, but again emphasised how significant the coach’s departure could be.

“Him leaving will leave a hole. If they back (the Springboks win) up, and then they have results in the Bledisloe, you’d be crazy not to try and convince him to hang around.”