Wallabies identify key focus in bid to bounce back against Italy

The Wallabies have identified the first five minutes of the second half as an area of focus before hosting Italy in the Nations Championship, as they look to bounce back after defeats to two of the world’s top-four teams.

Australia led both Ireland and France at half-time in recent weeks, before the heavyweight sides from the Northern Hemisphere completed second-half comebacks. Les Bleus piled on 30 unanswered points during a 42-26 drought-breaking triumph in Brisbane last weekend.

But as the Wallabies prepare to farewell departing coach Joe Schmidt, who will be replaced by Les Kiss ahead of a match against Japan on August 8, the men in gold have been hard at work as they chase a complete 80-minute performance.

Outside centre Len Ikitau said the Wallabies need to ensure they’re “up for it” during the early exchanges of the second term. It’s an important period for the Wallabies, as they chase their first win since October 25.

“The last two weeks have been pretty disappointing for us,” Ikitau told reporters.

“I feel like we’ve been really good really good in the first half but [in the] second half, for us, have been a massive work on.

“We just finished a session today and I think the boys trained well and we’re excited for Italy this week.

“We just touched on the first five minutes in that second half, making sure that we’re up for it and we’re able to nail the detail in our role in those five minutes,” he added.

“Then being real active and up on our toes.”

This will be the first meeting between the Wallabies and Italy, setting the stage for a shot at history for both sides. Italy have won the last two meetings, meaning they have a chance to either add to that streak, or the Wallabies may beat the Azzurri for the first time since 2018.

The Wallabies will play three matches on home soil during another huge international season, which includes a clash with Japan’s Brave Blossoms in Townsville next month. They will also host the Springboks at Perth’s Optus Stadium and All Blacks in Sydney.

“Every opportunity you get to represent the Wallabies in Australia, you don’t take it lightly,” Ikitau said.

“But for us, there’s no excuses. We’ve got a massive break after this game so I just think everyone’s keen to go out there and put in a good performance that not only we’re proud of but Australia and the fans.”