Please don't go, Joe. The Wallabies may have lost on the weekend, but their upward curve is obvious. Still, it might not be enough to convince Joe Schmidt to extend his 18-month contract.

Australia boss Joe Schmidt is optimistic next summer’s British and Irish Lions series will be competitive following an agonising 22-19 defeat to Andy Farrell’s Ireland in Dublin. Former Ireland head coach Schmidt looked set to enjoy a memorable return to the Aviva Stadium before Gus McCarthy’s late try snatched victory for the hosts.

Schmidt's successor, Andy Farrell, watched his players almost make a mess of the IRFU's 150th commemoration party as their errors tallied up

DUBLIN – Australia coach Joe Schmidt says his side are “maybe” not at the level yet to win the three-Test Series with the British & Irish Lions in 2025 but they are ready to make it a “contest”.

Joe Schmidt uses the word ‘comfortable’ to describe his return to Ireland. The Australia team are based in a well-appointed hotel deep in south Dublin rugby country for the week. Schmidt’s Irish home isn’t far from here, and when time has allowed, he has met up with friends in recent days.

Despite being competitive in all their recent Grand Slam Tests, Joe Schmidt feels the Wallabies must improve ahead of next year's series against the Lions.

Australia coach Joe Schmidt says his side are "maybe" not at the level yet to win the three test series with the British & Irish Lions next year but they are ready to make it a "contest".