The Wallabies closed out the Joe Schmidt period with flair, overpowering Italy 57-10 in Perth. They snapped a six-match losing run in convincing style and gave supporters an early look at the talent pool new coach Les Kiss can draw upon ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada remained sidelined by World Rugby after his comments about referee Luc Ramos following the 47-17 defeat to the All Blacks. The Azzurri were still tipped to challenge Australia after their earlier upsets, yet they encountered a fierce ambush instead.

Australia surged forward with pace and accuracy. Their opening points arrived via a 20-metre rolling maul that set up Josh Canham to score in the corner. Tom Wright then broke the defence and finished a sharp Allan Alaalatoa off-load to make it 12-0.

The fast start persisted when the Wallabies stole a lineout and Harry Potter cut through before linking with support. Brandon Paenga-Amosa soon burrowed over from close range for the third try inside 12 minutes and a 19-0 lead.

Italy responded when Michele Lamaro crossed despite a tackle from Potter. Australia stayed sharp though, and after a denied score for Max Jorgensen they drove forward again for Canham to claim his second try.

At 24-5 after 28 minutes Italy looked shell-shocked. Australian supporters witnessed sustained attacking quality rarely matched in recent outings. The Wallabies showed ruthless finishing as a lineout drive sent Angus Bell over for 31-5.

Every gold jersey attacked with purpose and won collisions to create space. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Len Ikitau dominated midfield collisions. With Italy struggling, Australia mixed passes freely until Ikitau crossed on the half-time whistle for 38-5.

After nine defeats in ten Tests the half-time margin stunned observers. It ranked among the strongest opening periods in years. Australia controlled set-piece and breakdown while their passing and tactics delivered clear rewards.

The only concern was a familiar second-half lull after holding 68 percent possession. Previous weeks had seen leads slip against Ireland and France. Monty Ioane soon scored for Italy to narrow the gap to 38-10 and test Australian resolve.

The response proved decisive. Rob Valetini broke clear and Canham completed his hat-trick in just his third Test. Ryan Lonergan converted to stretch the lead to 45-10.

Schmidt had gambled by benching Fraser McReight and starting Carlo Tizzano. The local forward delivered strong tackling and turnovers that helped build a 40-point margin before he departed in the 65th minute.

The intensity rose further when Miles Amatosero debuted as Schmidt's 27th new cap. The lock sparked a scuffle that ended with prop Marco Riccioni receiving a red card for striking.

Italy lost another man to the stands while Schmidt and Laurie Fisher shared a moment of satisfaction. Fisher had served 27 years in the game and Schmidt had spent three seasons restoring belief after the 2023 World Cup.

Ben Donaldson added a late try on the siren to seal Schmidt's largest victory. More importantly the result restored optimism. Following injuries and losses the Wallabies recorded their first win of 2026 and handed the new era a positive platform.