Australia will look to erase the memories of a miserable 2025 season when they host Ireland in the opening round of the Nations Championship in Sydney on 4 July.
The Wallabies endured one of the darkest years in their history, losing a record 10 Tests and finishing with a winless four-match tour of Europe.
Defeats to England, Italy, Ireland and France marked Australia’s first northern hemisphere tour without a victory since 1958.
Veteran prop Allan Alaalatoa told AAP that the disappointment of the 2025 campaign still lingered with the squad as they look to make a fresh start.
“We’ll definitely look to rectify that, and that all starts with the way we prepare and carrying that through into the game,” Alaalatoa said.
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With the clash against Ireland already sold out, the experienced front-rower believes the support of the rugby public can help drive the team forward as Australia prepares to host the World Cup in 2027.
“With the first game being a sellout, it shows there’s a lot of passion for rugby here in Australia. It definitely motivates the boys to make sure we do everything we can to put ourselves in the best shape possible to go out there and play with confidence.
“Coming off that [November] tour, there’s a lot of disappointment within the group.”
Australia face Ireland, France and Italy in the Nations Championship, before double-headers against Japan and Argentina, and then a Test against the world champion Springboks in Perth in late September.
This season also marks the beginning of a new era for Australian rugby as Joe Schmidt will oversee the opening Tests before handing over to Les Kiss.
“There’ll be a short window from when Joe finishes to when Les starts,” said Alaalatoa. “Hopefully that transition is smooth.”
Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
The post Wallabies eager to turn page after horror season appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Australia will look to erase the memories of a miserable 2025 season when they host Ireland in the opening round of the Nations Championship in Sydney on 4 July.
The post Wallabies eager to turn page after horror season appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
