Following the conclusion of their 2024 Autumn Nations Series, we update you on the state of the participating nations. Next up, it’s Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies.

Growth. That is the best way to describe Australia’s 2024 season that began with a decent return from the mid-year Tests against Wales and Georgia before a troublesome Rugby Championship.

While it was a difficult tournament in the Southern Hemisphere, the developmental benefits showed in heaps when the Wallabies travelled up north to show that the Schmidt effect is in full swing.

Without further ado, we give you the State of the Nations for the Wallabies ahead of the 2025 British & Irish Lions Series.

Autumn Nations Series summary

First off it is worth crediting Rugby Australia for organising an Autumn Nations Series where they face all four teams that make up the Lions, with the Grand Slam tour offering ideal preparation for 2025.

The opening clash of the tour was against England at Twickenham where the Wallabies were able to showcase their growth for the first time since the Rugby Championship. It was a classic Test that had just about everything but the Wallabies fronted up very nicely in the set-piece and ultimately a silky layoff from Len Ikitau to Max Jorgensen stole the game with the clock in the red. 42-37 final score.

That Twickenham victory gave the Wallabies a chance to go back-to-back with victories and that is exactly what they did against Wales which only compounded the pressure on Warren Gatland. It was a record points haul for the visitors who won 52-20, once again showcasing their growth.

Reality would hit after the solid start to the tour as Scotland quite frankly took apart the Wallabies 27-13, winning the game with relative ease. It was not the Wallabies’ strongest showing by any means but the fact that they stayed close enough to the Scots’ score was the encouraging aspect.

The most difficult game was kept for last and the Wallabies very nearly claimed the win against Ireland, who were clearly rattled by the men in gold. In the end, Schmidt’s side would lose 22-19 but it was a performance that sent a statement to the Lions head coach Andy Farrell.

Standout players

Len Ikitau has proved to be one of the most valuable backline players in the Wallabies set-up, particularly thanks to his ability to play both 12 and 13. His class showed further during the autumn in how he looked after rookie Joseph Suaalii and no one will forget the flick out the back to orchestrate the winner against England. Ikitau is only 26 meaning he is set to go into his prime by the time the 2027 World Cup arrives. A very important cog.

Max Jorgensen is another who really stood out not just for his try against England but because he is elusive and skilful. The Waratah is one of those players who is almost always involved with tries whether setting up or scoring. It is so easy to see why he was brought in so young and alongside Tom Wright, who has been electric this season, the Wallabies are almost there with a world-class back-three.

In the pack, Fraser McReight has been playing like the perfect marriage of David Pocock and Michael Hooper in the seven shirt with his tireless engine and exemplary breakdown ability. The Queenslander is such an intelligent player and is always in and amongst the action. Crucially he has the ability to turn a game single-handedly, especially at ruck time, making him a massive star for the Lions series.

Success story

The victory against England was a close contender but it has to go to Suaalii who has come into rugby union with absolute aplomb, especially when considering how much pressure has been placed on the 21-year-old’s shoulders because of his heavy wage bill.

Suaalii has a mature head on his shoulders and his freakish athleticism had shades of a young Israel Folau with his aerial prowess and all-around physicality. There are bits to work on for the young star but he can be proud of his start for the Wallabies.

For a player who has not yet played Super Rugby to come in and not just shine but catalyse the resurgence of love for Australian rugby has been quite something to watch and it feels like the sky’s the limit for young Suaalii.

Main regret(s)

We were only meant to pick one but I picked two instead and it’s both of the losses. The Scotland game was so frustrating to watch from an Australian perspective because the side just felt a yard off the pace and everything they tried to do to pull themselves back into the game didn’t work. It was a good lesson for the young team about how challenging it is to remain at the highest level of performance.

To their credit they stuck together and produced the goods against Ireland in a game they should have won. Noah Lolesio’s boot kept them in the game as the Wallabies caused havoc on the Ireland line-out. For much of the game, they looked well poised to down the second-best team in the world but a couple of moments of inexperience proved costly for Schmidt’s men. Regardless the coach will be pleased with the efforts and will back his side to face the Lions.

Results

England v Australia (Wallabies won 37-42)

Wales v Australia (Wallabies won 20-52)

Scotland v Australia (Wallabies lost 27-13)

Ireland v Australia (Wallabies lost 22-19)