Schmidt predicts significant changes for the upcoming Wallabies Test

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has predicted at least five changes for Australia’s final Test before the start of their Rugby Championship campaign.

The Wallabies achieved consecutive wins for the first time since 2021 by defeating a determined Wales 36-28 in Melbourne on Saturday night.

Australia maintained their unbeaten home record against Wales, dating back to 1969, by adding to their 25-16 victory in Sydney last week.

Veteran prop James Slipper stepped in as captain, replacing the injured Queensland star Liam Wright.

The Wallabies’ next challenge is a match against Georgia, who shocked Eddie Jones’ Japan team on Saturday, in Sydney next Saturday night.

Their following match will be a significant test against world champions South Africa at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on August 10.

“We made five changes this week, and there could be just as many again,” Schmidt said.

“You’re trying to build cohesion, and it’s a bit of a tricky balance to find between maintaining confidence and offering opportunities.

“We’re aiming to build a strong squad mentality and instill confidence in all our players.”

Schmidt was pleased to start his tenure with the Wallabies with two consecutive wins but acknowledged there are still major areas for improvement.

“We’ll break it down and ask, ‘how good were we in the breakdown?’,” he said.

“How good were we in our connected line speed?

“How good were we when they put the ball in the air, and we went up after it and provided support around that?”

Slipper believes the Wallabies are back on track following last year’s disappointing World Cup under Jones, which included a heavy defeat to Wales.

“We are happy with the two results we’ve achieved, but we know there’s much room for improvement, so we will be looking for ways to get better,” Slipper said.

“And that’s probably the balance we’re after.

“I wouldn’t say we’re content, but we’re confident that we’re heading in the right direction.”