Joe Schmidt insists the Wallabies’ hopes for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 remain strong, even if they fail to secure a top-six world ranking before the pool draw. While the ideal outcome would see Australia among the highest-seeded sides, Schmidt believes long-term progress matters far more than the number beside their name when the tournament arrives on home soil.
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With the Rugby World Cup Draw set to take place in Sydney, Australia, they currently sit outside the top tier of seeds and look likely to land in the second band. That would mean facing one of the sport’s elite nations, potentially South Africa or New Zealand, during the pool phase. Schmidt acknowledged that a better seeding would help, but he stressed that fear has no place in the Wallabies’ plan.
Being in the top group would be nice, Schmidt said, but what matters most is continuing to build. You can still go deep in the Rugby World Cup 2027 without being sixth or better in the rankings. Australia’s ranking took a hit following their 25-7 defeat to England in the Autumn Nations Series at Twickenham. That loss widened the gap between them and sixth-placed Argentina, who now sit comfortably ahead.
With only three matches left this season before the draw is finalized on December 3, the window to climb the rankings is closing. Even so, Schmidt is adamant that the Wallabies are moving in the right direction. He pointed to clear improvements throughout the 2025 campaign, crediting both player development and increased squad depth.
Rugby World Cup: Wallabies Target Depth and Composure Ahead of Italian Challenge
According to the coach, depth has been a major focus, particularly with injuries affecting key positions over the year. We’ve shown what we can do when we have our best available, Schmidt explained. Now we want to build layers behind that, so that regardless of who is selected, we have the strength to challenge anyone.
Italy stands as the next challenge on the Spring Tour. Schmidt has high respect for the Azzurri and their coach Gonzalo Quesada, who he described as a sharp tactician capable of getting strong performances out of his squad. Italy pushed England earlier in the season and has proven dangerous with the ball in hand, especially through their young playmakers and back-row threats.
They’re competitive, they’ve improved, and they’ll be confident at home, Schmidt said. We will need to reset quickly and front up again. Last season brought some memorable moments for the Wallabies, including a dramatic victory over England at Allianz Stadium, where Max Jorgensen sealed the win with a late try.
Australia also toppled the British & Irish Lions, edged Fiji in Newcastle, mounted a stunning comeback against South Africa in Johannesburg, and beat both Argentina and Japan in Test matches. Those results helped restore belief after a difficult period for the program. Now, with two years to prepare for a Rugby World Cup on home turf, Schmidt and his squad are focused on consistency and growth rather than chasing a number.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Schmidt’s Mental Blueprint for 2027
The lessons from their previous clash with Italy, where Ben Donaldson missed a conversion that would have secured a win, also linger as a reminder that every small moment matters. Schmidt said the team talks very little about what happened before the last 18 months. The message within the camp has remained steady: stay present, work hard, and improve one step at a time.
That mindset has shaped their preparations and influenced selections, with young players given responsibility early in their careers. We know where we are, Schmidt said. We know the depth we have, the areas we must strengthen, and the challenges in front of us. Progress isn’t always smooth, especially when you’re facing motivated teams on their home turf, but we aim to keep climbing.
The coach also revealed he reviewed footage from their previous loss to Italy and even discussed it briefly with former coach Dave Rennie during a recent trip. However, his focus remains firmly on what lies ahead, especially with the Rugby World Cup 2027 approaching, rather than looking back. All we can control is how we prepare, he said.
We want to step onto the field with accuracy, determination, and confidence. If we execute well, we’ll put ourselves in a strong position. As the Rugby World Cup Draw approaches and the countdown to the Rugby World Cup Final 2027 continues, Schmidt’s message to Australian rugby fans is clear: judge the journey, not just the ranking.
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