"Embarrassing" - Five Wallabies Who Went Missing in Embarrassing Loss to Italy

Australia, trailing by seven points, fell behind further when Lynagh crossed for a converted try in the 58th minute, taking advantage of a team already down to 14 men after Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was penalized for a reckless tackle.

The Wallabies’ defence repeatedly broke down, allowing Italy to build momentum and ultimately claim the win, three years after their first historic victory in Florence in 2022. Ioane sealed the match with a try just minutes later, leaving Australia’s five key players struggling to make an impact.

Here are five Wallabies who underperformed.

Struggled with errors and high-ball issues, but showed glimpses of attacking threat and scored once.

Rugby Pass 5/10: "Rusty. There’s been lots of talk around the former NRL player, and his performance was error-ridden in Udine. Made a nice break and long pass to Toole in the 15th minute. Had high ball issues, as Italy targeted Gordon and Toole in the air. Unfortunately had a game-high four turnovers at the half, but scored on his return as Wilson’s carry was deemed to be stripped."

Limited impact in attack, exposed in contact, though solid defensively with 11 tackles.

Planet Rugby 5/10: "Like fellow winger Toole, he did not receive plenty of ball out wide, and when he did, he did not prove to be a threat to the Azzurri."

Rugby pass 5/10: "The winger started the game with an in-play kick going out on the full, giving Italy the first chance of the game. Was found out a couple of times as he took contact by himself, and with Italy’s breakdown prowess, they didn’t need a second invitation. Didn’t positively impact the game with ball in hand, but made 11 tackles on defence."

Powerful in carries and scrums, but failed to make a meaningful impact; replaced early in the second half.

Planet Rugby 5/10: "The Tongan Thor made some powerful carries at close quarters and stood up well in the scrums, but his efforts did not have the desired effect and he was replaced by Zane Nonggor early in the second half."

Competitive in lineouts and defense, but offered little as a ball carrier; substituted.

Planet Rugby 5/10: "Although he was competitive in the lineouts and put his body on the line on defence, he made little impact as a ball carrier, which resulted in him being replaced by Valetini"

Dangerous with the ball but costly errors and a yellow card hurt the team; spent much of the game defending.

Planet Rugby 4/10: "As usual, the former rugby league star looked dangerous with the ball in hand, but this will be a game he would want to forget in a hurry. Kicked the ball directly into touch early in the second half and spent some time in the sin bin later on for a dangerous hit on Paolo Garbisi, and Italy capitalised as they scored two tries during his stint on the sidelines."

Rugby Pass 4/10: "Showed good defensive qualities when he helped Potter hold up Capuozzo over the line. It wasn’t the free-flowing game that suits the midfielders game-style, which meant he spent most of his evening on defence.

"The second half couldn’t have gone much worse for the star, receiving a yellow card in the 57th minute for a high-tackle in a try-scoring opportunity. The yellow card changed the complexity of the game, as Italy went on a late surge to earn a famous victory in Udine."