Joe Schmidt: Australia still have work to do ahead of next year’s Lions series

Australia boss Joe Schmidt is optimistic next summer’s British and Irish Lions series will be competitive following an agonising 22-19 defeat to Andy Farrell’s Ireland in Dublin.

Former Ireland head coach Schmidt looked set to enjoy a memorable return to the Aviva Stadium before Gus McCarthy’s late try snatched victory for the hosts.

The Wallabies, who endured a miserable 2023 World Cup under Eddie Jones, do not play another Test match before the first of three showdowns with Farrell’s Lions next summer.

Following wins over England and Wales and a defeat to Scotland this month, Schmidt believes there are encouraging signs from his team but concedes there is plenty to work on looking ahead to 2025.

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