Australia strive for belief to finish off ailing Wales in second test
The Wallabies started the Schmidt era with a scrappy, if encouraging, 25-16 win over Warren Gatland’s embattled side in Sydney and are out to complete a sweep of the two-match series at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
Australia's first win over a tier one nation since 2022 came as a relief for fans left reeling by the brief, chaotic reign of Eddie Jones and the disastrous World Cup he oversaw in his return as Wallabies coach.
But it was far from convincing as the home side struggled to shake off opponents mired in a seven-match losing streak.
"I only met these guys two weeks ago," New Zealander Schmidt told reporters of his new Wallabies project.
"There's a lot to cover. We're trying to keep the menu fairly tight. But to be really good with what we do do.
"There's some confidence but to get that really deep-rooted belief in what they're doing and how they play the game, how they can depend on each other - that's going to take time."
The former Ireland boss made only one injury-enforced change in an endorsement of the starting 15 from Sydney.
Flanker Liam Wright, a surprise captaincy choice in Schmidt's first matchday squad, has dropped out with a shoulder injury, opening the door for Charlie Cale to make his first start at number eight in his second test.
James Slipper, the ever-dependable prop, will lead the squad while reserve hooker Josh Nasser is hoping to become the 13th son of a Wallaby to wear the gold jersey, a week after flyhalf Tom Lynagh, son of Michael, became the 12th.
Wales were more competitive in Sydney than in their 41-13 loss to world champions South Africa at Twickenham two weeks ago but now find themselves at an all-time low of 11th in the world rankings.
Their hopes of levelling the series, and claiming a first win in Australia since 1969, have been dealt a major blow with powerful number eight Aaron Wainwright sidelined for up to four months with a torn hamstring.
James Botham, grandson of England cricket great Ian Botham, comes into the starting 15 at blindside flanker.
Winger Josh Hathaway has been omitted due to an elbow injury, prompting Gatland to shift Liam Williams wide from fullback and put Cameron Winnett in the number 15 jersey.
Gatland has otherwise ignored calls for sweeping changes, including a demand from former Wales prop and pundit Graham Price to be ruthless at the selections table.
Barring the forced changes, the squad that managed only one penalty try while conceding three five-pointers in Sydney is largely intact.
"This week we've been going through our processes, building on what worked well and sharpening the areas that need improvement," said Gatland.
"We expect Australia to go up another level this weekend and we know we need to as well."