Rugby has always been my sport. Growing up cheering for England, there’s no doubt where my heart lies on game day. But as someone fortunate enough to claim Australia as my second home, I’ve found myself rooting for the Wallabies with increasing passion—especially during their recent autumn internationals.
It’s been a tough few years for Australian rugby. The Wallabies, once a dominant force, have struggled with financial instability, a dip in on-field performance, and the ill-fated return of Eddie Jones. Fans’ patience wore thin as the team battled inconsistency and a lack of direction. Yet now, under the calm and calculated leadership of Joe Schmidt, there’s a palpable shift in energy. It feels like a page has turned.
A Team Rebuilding with Purpose
The Wallabies’ recent performances in the Autumn Nations Series have shown us what’s possible when grit meets guidance. A standout moment was their remarkable 42-37 win over England at Twickenham, their first victory there since the 2015 Rugby World Cup and a moment of reclaiming the Ella-Mobbs Trophy after a 12-year drought. Such victories remind us why we watch this game—for the moments that defy expectations and reignite hope. Even with the disappointed of England losing, I couldn’t help feel a surge of admiration for the Wallabies’ resilience and determination. It’s moments like these that transcend rivalry, reminding us of the beauty of sport—the ability to inspire, to surprise, and to unite fans in awe of a truly remarkable performance.
Of course, the journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Their 27-13 defeat to Scotland highlighted areas still in need of improvement. And despite a narrow 22-19 loss to Ireland, the Wallabies proved they could stand toe-to-toe with the world’s top-ranked team. These performances, while not flawless, showcased a team rediscovering its fight and identity.
Overcoming Challenges
The Wallabies’ path has been anything but easy. Financial instability plagued Rugby Australia, with a reported A$9.2 million deficit in 2023 due to increased investments in women’s rugby and bailing out the Melbourne Rebels. Add to that the turbulence of Eddie Jones’ brief and controversial tenure as head coach, and you have a team fighting battles both on and off the field.
Enter Joe Schmidt. With his tactical discipline and steady leadership, he has helped refocus the team, instilling a sense of belief that has been absent for years. Veteran prop James Slipper described the improvement under Schmidt as “astronomical,” likening it to the success Schmidt brought to Ireland during his tenure there.
Lessons in Spirit and Leadership
As I cheer for the Wallabies—something I never thought I’d say or write, having grown up in the shadow of England’s heartbreak in 1991 and their sweet revenge in 2003—I’m reminded of a fundamental truth about sport and life: spirit and grit can rebuild what’s been broken. Leadership, when rooted in clarity and purpose, has the power to transform chaos into cohesion. Schmidt’s Wallabies exemplify this, proving that even the darkest times can lay the foundation for a brighter future.
For all the progress, the road ahead remains steep. The Lions await in 2025, a formidable challenge that will test the Wallabies’ newfound resolve. Bigger battles loom on the horizon, and while recent successes are worth celebrating, they must be a foundation—not a peak.
Getting Behind the Spirit
The Wallabies’ journey is a rallying cry for resilience. Whether you’ve been cheering for them your whole life or, like me, have only recently found yourself caught up in their story, they remind us that grit, guided by strong leadership, can transform adversity into triumph.
For me, supporting the Wallabies feels deeply personal. It’s not just about the game—it’s about the story of a team fighting their way back from rock bottom. Watching their spirit, their fight, and their belief unfold has resonated with me in ways I never expected. And isn’t that what sport is about? It has this uncanny way of weaving itself into our lives, teaching us lessons about perseverance, hope, and the power of belief.
The Wallabies have reignited something special in Australian rugby. But with the Lions coming in 2025, the stakes are about to get even higher. The question isn’t whether they’ve rebuilt—it’s whether they can rise to meet the biggest challenge yet.
And for me? I’ll still be cheering for the Lions when the tour arrives, but it’ll feel different. This time, it won’t be about rivalry. It’ll be about respect for a team that’s shown what true resilience looks like—and perhaps a quiet hope that their story inspires greatness in others, too.