Former Wallabies coach John Connolly believes Australian rugby has wasted a crucial chance to properly prepare for the Rugby World Cup 2027, saying the decision to delay Les Kiss’ takeover as national coach has left the team drifting at a time when clarity and momentum were badly needed.
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With Australia hosting the next tournament and dreaming of lifting the trophy on home soil at the Rugby World Cup Final, Connolly says Rugby Australia should have acted decisively to stabilise leadership and direction.
Instead, Schmidt remains in charge for now, while Kiss continues coaching the Queensland Reds. Although the pair worked closely together during Ireland’s rise to world dominance, Connolly believes the split leadership model has created unnecessary uncertainty at a critical point in the Wallabies’ rebuild.
From the outside looking in, it makes absolutely no sense, Connolly said. When you’re two years out from hosting a Rugby World Cup 2027, you want one clear voice, one clear plan, and one clear direction. Right now, Australia doesn’t have that.
Rugby World Cup: Connolly Calls for Commitment to One Fly-Half Option
Connolly, who will be awarded Membership of the Order of Australia (AM) on Australia Day for his services to rugby, said the Wallabies are no closer to solving one of their biggest problems. Since Noah Lolesio departed for Japan, Australia has rotated through Tom Lynagh and Carter Gordon.
Tane Edmed and James O’Connor, with none able to lock down the No.10 jersey. According to Connolly, that instability is hurting the team’s ability to build combinations, confidence, and consistency. You simply can’t keep chopping and changing in such a key position and expect progress, he said. At some point, you have to commit to someone and give them the time and confidence to grow.
He also believes NSW Waratahs playmaker Lawson Creighton should have been given a stronger opportunity to stake his claim, arguing that broader experimentation at Super Rugby World Cup level would help identify who is best placed to steer the Wallabies through to a potential.
Rugby World Cup Final appearance in 2027. Connolly also raised concerns about leadership clarity within the squad. While current Wallabies captain Harry Wilson and Reds skipper Tate McDermott have both impressed in recent seasons.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Wallabies Lack Identity as Losses Mount, Says Connolly
The appointment of Fraser McReight as Queensland captain was viewed by Connolly as a sign that a changing of the guard is already underway. If Les Kiss is going to be the guy taking Australia into the Rugby World Cup Final, then he should already be shaping the leadership group.
Connolly said. He should be choosing his captains, his playmakers, and his assistants. Otherwise, you’re just delaying the inevitable. The former coach was also critical of the Wallabies’ recent results, pointing out that the side has lost seven of its past eight Tests. While Connolly acknowledged that injuries and transition have played a role.
He believes the deeper issue is the absence of a settled identity and playing style. You might have a core group of players, but a third of the team simply isn’t working, he said. That tells you the structure isn’t right. And when the structure isn’t right, players lose confidence and belief.
Connolly stressed that hosting the Rugby World Cup Final 2027 should be seen as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Australian rugby to rebuild its brand, reconnect with fans. However, he warned that success on home soil will require long-term planning, bold decisions, and stability, not uncertainty.
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Connolly Calls for Stability and Clarity Ahead of Home Rugby World Cup
They know their spine, their leadership group, and their style of play. Australia is still searching for all three. While Schmidt has brought structure and professionalism back to the Wallabies environment, Connolly believes time is slipping away.
He argued that allowing Kiss to take over earlier would have accelerated development and created alignment between Super Rugby and the national setup. With Les in charge now, he could’ve already been embedding his systems, identifying future leaders, and shaping the squad for the Rugby World Cup Final in 2027, Connolly said. Instead, we’re waiting, and in elite sport, waiting usually means falling behind.
Despite his concerns, Connolly remains optimistic about Australian rugby’s long-term potential. There’s no shortage of ability in Australian rugby, he said. What’s missing is clarity, stability, and belief. If they get that right over the next 18 months, then hosting the Rugby World Cup 2027 could become the turning point the sport desperately needs, and who knows, maybe even a night at the Rugby World Cup Final that fans will remember forever.
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FAQs
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