Once absent scenes of joyful smiles, youngsters playfully gambolling, and proudly worn golden scarves have once again filled the stadiums. Only a year back, these sights were nowhere to be found as Wallabies navigated a winless home season in 2023, which finally landed them into a crisis in Paris. The picture was grim for die-hard supporters of Australian Rugby, with their hopes seemingly dissipating.
However, the Saturday night victory of the Wallabies against Wales with a score of 25-18, coupled with the Wallaroos’ humbling 64-5 win against Fijiana, has rekindled the spirits of the fans. These victories have marked the beginnings of the Joe Schmidt and Jo Yapp epochs, with a fresh crop of golden boys and girls making their mark. From a position of strife, the code is now making a recuperation.
Defeating teams that rank 10th and 15th in the world does not usually elicit such fervour in a sports-conscious nation. Yet, following the men’s ghastly World Cup performance in September and the Wallaroos’ dip to the second tier last month, the ecstasy over these victories is understandable.
Both Australian teams not only won, but they also dazzled with their tactics under fresh guidance. Records were set as Wallaroos’ winger Desiréee Miller victoriously ran across the field four times during the 10-try rout. Wallabies’ full-back Tom Wright compensated for earlier missteps by closing a lightning-fast 70-meter run with a skillful manoeuvre, ensuring a narrow triumph over Wales.
These wins bring more than just gladness for the Wallabies – they are crucial. The men’s squad is in dire need of a winning streak before the British & Irish Lions tour Australia in 2025, followed by a World Cup two years later. Renewed hope is a much-needed boon for the fans, while the women, already Olympic Sevens victors, have a domestic World Cup to aim for in 2029.
Broadcasting rights further add to the gold mine, set for imminent renegotiation. These contracts, currently valued at 32 million Australian dollars per annum for Channel 9, took a hit alongside Rugby Australia’s diminishing fortunes. However, victories on the field translate to viewership success. If dormant or disillusioned fans begin to reconnect with a victorious side through television, it promises a future rise in ticket sales.
Despite being A$89 million in debt, Australian rugby continues to thrive, with women’s rugby witnessing more rapid growth in terms of both participant numbers and fan support. The nation’s appetite for rugby could be further intensified if Charlotte Caslick, the captain of Australia’s sevens squad, manages to clinch a gold in Paris, replicating her triumphant 2016 performance in Brazil.
This breakthrough was also underlined by the inclusion of several new talents during Saturday’s match – seven debutants for the Wallabies and four for the Wallaroos. A significant sign of this transformation was seen in former captain Michael Hooper, who was found enjoying a piece of pie away from the field.
In addition, Australian Rugby is in need of prominent athletic figures. Maddison Levi and her sister Teagan, who demonstrate an exceptional combination of charisma and athleticism, could serve as pivotal change agents in promoting women’s sports and reshaping Australian rugby.
While the men’s game has been traditionally popularised through rugged players, it seems to be shifting towards a more flamboyant style thanks to talented youngsters like Josh Flook and Billy Pollard, both 22, and Charlie Cale, 23, who all have promising futures ahead. Another notable inclusion is Joseph Sua’all’i, known as the A$5 million man, who is set to be Rugby Australia’s official spokesperson from 2025.
However, without wins, these gains could be futile. Success in sports directly translates into profitable TV deals, sponsorships, merchandise sales, match attendance, and talent retention during contract renewals.
Australia currently leads in the Test window with 2-0, but satisfactory performances in the coming weeks are crucial. The Wallaroos will be up against New Zealand in Brisbane on Sunday after a crushing defeat earlier this year, while the Wallabies will face Wales once again in Melbourne on Saturday night, before a one-off Test versus Georgia on July 20th.
In spite of the high stakes, Joe Schmidt’s team is in a favourable position. The reigning world champions from South Africa, are scheduled to play two matches in Australia this year, in Brisbane on the 10th of August and then Perth on the 17th of August. In Sydney, the Wallabies will play their last home Test against the All Blacks, with an opportunity to secure the Bledisloe Cup after a 22-year wait.
Just a year ago, this situation seemed impossible but it is now within reach. Currently, there is a renewed sense of optimism among both the players and the game itself. The appointment of a new coach and the emergence of fresh talent have finally pointed to a beacon of hope.