British Lions coach Farrell issued major warning ahead of Joe Schmidt reunion
Former Australia captain James Horwill believes the Wallabies can spring a surprise this summer when they meet the challenge of the British and Irish Lions
Australian rugby reached its lowest ebb at the 2023 Rugby World Cup but just two years later, Joe Schmidt has the team ready to challenge The British & Irish Lions. That is the view of James Horwill, captain the last time the Lions were in town, and confident the Wallabies are hitting their straps at just the right time.
It is a far cry from the tail end of the Eddie Jones era, which featured an ignominious ending at the World Cup in France as Australia crashed out in the group stages for the very first time – a 40-6 defeat to Wales seemingly evidence of a side in terminal decline. Cue the arrival of Schmidt, fresh from success with Leinster and then Ireland, followed by a spell in the New Zealand coaching staff that coincided with a return to form for the All Blacks.
All was not perfect in 2024, a year which saw Australia ship four tries in 10 minutes to Argentina in a record defeat. But by the end of the year, it was clear that the team had started to find their feet under the Kiwi, with a last-gasp win over England at Allianz Stadium the highlight.
And Horwill believes that the performances of Australia's Super Rugby teams should give Wallaby fans even more confidence ahead of the arrival of the Lions.
He said: 'There has been some good growth. When you reflect back as a country on the 2023 World Cup, it was very disappointing across the board. But since Joe has come in as coach, and been able to put a bit more stability around the programme, we saw some of the performances improve.
'Looking directly at last year's end-of-year tour, there were some good performances – the performance against England, we very well could have beaten Ireland in Ireland. Overall, I think it was a positive tour and we saw some steps in the right direction.
'This year, Super Rugby has seen much more sustained, consistent performances from our Aussie sides. Maybe towards the back end there has been a little bit of drop off. But early on in the year, we have seen much more consistency from our Super sides, which can only bode well for the Wallabies selectors.
'I think everything is trending in the right direction, with obviously a big challenge coming in the Lions tour.'
Working alongside Schmidt are experienced campaigners Laurie Fisher – the former Gloucester coach – and New Zealand scrum guru Mike Cron. Last but not least, Geoff Parling, who went toe-to-toe with Horwill in that Lions series 12 years ago, will find himself on the other side of the battle this time around.
And it is the influence of that support staff that has been crucial, according to Horwill.
He said: 'Joe has brought in his experience of his time in Ireland and his ability to put that programme together. It is the stability, not just through Joe but also the assistants. There are very good assistants working with him.
'While the head coach is obviously important, now more than ever, the coaching group is vital, both at club and Test level. The team he has brought together from a coaching aspect is very impressive. There has been some real clarity of what they are trying to achieve and how they are trying to play.
'And then it's a bit about bringing a bit of confidence back and giving some guys a bit more time in the saddle to perform. There have no doubt been some challenges but if we've got guys available and firing, we've got quite a formidable team.'
What is clear in 2025 is that Australia find themselves with greater options than in recent seasons – particularly in the back row where the stocks are overflowing. In addition to key figures like Rob Valetini, Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight, the likes of Carlo Tizzano from the Western Force and Seru Uru at the Reds would all hope to be in a matchday 23.
Add in Josh Kemeny and Pete Samu, both of whom started the Champions Cup final for Northampton Saints and champions Bordeaux-Bègles respectively, and it is clear that Schmidt has some big calls to make.
Horwill reflected: 'If you go through and want to pick a XV, if you go position-by-position, you are asking yourself who would you pick and it's a hard decision. We probably haven't had that in previous years. You can almost see the quality of the squad by the people you leave out, rather than the people you select.
'When he names his squad for the Lions, there are going to be guys who are very good players who deserve to be there but there just aren't enough shirts to get the job. That only bodes well for performance, guys pushing and people chomping at the heels if you don't perform.
'You just have a look and try to pick the back row now and who misses out? Who is on the bench? It will be a fascinating battle.
'I think Fraser McReight is a difference-maker for us. He's a player that we saw on the end-of-season tour at Wallaby level, the game he didn't play against Scotland, you saw the difference in performance.
'Who plays No.8? Bobby Valetini and Harry Wilson have been putting in huge performances. Those two guys are going to be vital to get that go-forward ball for us against the Lions. And Carlo Tizzano couldn't be doing much more.'
Brought in to replace Jones after his disastrous second spell, Schmidt will move on in 2026, to be succeeded by Reds boss Les Kiss. He and Schmidt have previously worked together with Ireland, while Kiss has plenty of experience of northern hemisphere rugby, having spent time at Ulster and then London Irish prior to them entering administration.
While there has been no clear succession plan over the last two Wallaby coach changes, there appears to be a longer-term vision this time around. Horwill said: 'The two guys have worked together previously with Ireland and while they are different, they both have a similar understanding of how they like the game to be played.
'In terms of consistency and continuing the momentum that hopefully we have built by then, going into a home World Cup, I imagine that it will go quite seamlessly.
'Joe is staying on until July next year now and my understanding is that a big part of that is to help Les set up that programme so that they are ready to pick up and run with it and are not starting afresh.
'While Les no doubt has some differences to what Joe does, speaking to the Queensland guys, they all speak incredibly highly of him. He's done some great things with the Reds in the short time he has been there.'
Horwill and the Wallabies were part of a Lions series for the ages 12 years ago. With Schmidt at the helm and a team on the up, there is reason to believe this summer's tour could be just as entertaining.
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