Australia head coach Joe Schmidt has dismissed claims from scrumhalf Tate McDermott that he is focusing on a “narrow” gameplan for the Wallabies.
Schmidt was speaking after making three switches among the forwards and two in the backs to tackle Argentina in La Plata on Saturday, from the side beaten 30-12 by the Springboks Down Under a fortnight ago.
No 8 Harry Wilson also becomes the 90th captain of the Wallabies, taking over from prop Allan Alaalatoa, who drops to the bench.
McDermott had noted that Schmidt’s tactics were “very different to how every Super Rugby team plays”. However, Schmidt explained that Test rugby requires a different approach.
“It’s obviously different, the way we want to attack. It’s also very different to the way that I’m used to at the Reds,” McDermott said earlier in the week.
“We play a very expansive game and Joe’s plan for us is pretty narrow.”
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“It’s such a different level from Super Rugby,” Schmidt said at a Wallabies conference on Friday. “If you think you can just supplant one way of playing into a Test arena, there’s a degree of risk in that.”
Schmidt emphasised that weather and opposition tactics have influenced their strategy, particularly against South Africa.
“We haven’t exactly been blessed with the sort of weather that lends itself to expansive rugby,” he said, noting that width against the Boks can be risky due to their powerful defence.
Despite challenges, Schmidt remains focused on long-term development while aiming for immediate success. “We’re trying to take a long-term view with a short-term focus,” he said, highlighting the importance of preparing for the British & Irish Lions series and 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Acknowledging the frustrations of fans, Schmidt admitted, “We’re impatient… Our supporters are impatient for outcomes on the scoreboard, and that’s what we’ll be endeavouring to do on Saturday.”
Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
