Robert Craddock admits that he is feeling nervous about the Wallabies ahead of their Test match against Italy.
In what has been an important year for the side with the British and Irish Lions tour, Australia has shown plenty of promise despite having only one of their last five Test matches.
Their latest loss was in their opening match of the Spring tour, as they faltered in the second half against England last Sunday, seeing the Wallabies start their northern campaign with a 25-7 loss at Twickenham.
Looking to rebound against Italy, Australia has made four changes to their starting XV, which will include starting fly-half Carter Gordon playing in his first game for the side after defecting to the Gold Coast Titans for the 2025 season.
But with the constant changes in the line-up, this has the experienced journalist worried that Italy could pull off another upset, having beaten Australia in their previous encounter back in 2022.
“I’m a little bit nervous about every Test the Wallabies play,” Craddock told SENQ Breakfast.
“Because the team chops and changes…but they are an interesting watch at the moment, the Wallabies and I’m still not sure where they are.
“Are they on the rise or are they spluttering?
“I know Joe Schmidt has done a good job with it, and I’m really looking forward to Les Kiss taking over next year.
“But there’s just something wobbling about them at the moment, and I sense that from the Rugby boys in a chat the other day with our journos that cover it.
“They find their predictions are faltering with them.”
The Wallabies will be continuing their Spring Tour when they play Italy at the Stadio Friuli in Udine on Sunday at 6:40am (NZDT).
Following that, they’ll have clashes against Ireland and France to round out their Spring Tour and conclude their international season for the year.
