Australian coach Joe Schmidt is convinced that Wallabies will be competitive against British and Irish lions later this year even if he still does not know who will be his captain for the series.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Schmidt confirmed that he had extended his reign as a coach and would stay in the role until he was followed by Les Kiss in July 2026.

By laying the success plan in bed, the young Zealander turned his thoughts into the great challenge he expects in three tests ANTI British and Irish lions in July and August.

“How safe are we for success against the lion? I’m sure we can be competitive and … if we can be within a lion’s result and there are five to go, then we’re a chance,“He told reporters.

“We have to give ourselves that chance by being really good at our performance behaviors.“

Schmidt avoids famous predictions, but he was encouraged in his conviction that Australia would be competitive from the last Gasp The victory over England and a Close loss to Ireland In the tour that ends the European season last year.

“I know it didn’t work against Ireland but against England (It happened), “he said.

“You are talking about the number two team in the world and a team that will rank a lot over us … Our challenge is to continue working in those rankings this year being competitive.

“I don’t think we want to be distracted by the results. We want to be really run by the process. And I know it’s boring, but Les is of the same illustration, so you will get the same for the coming years.“

Schmidt said this season that he will continue to prioritize the players who have committed their future in the Australian Rugby in his choices.

This can set a question mark on the involvement for the Flyfalf Noah Lumesio Lion Series, as well as before Tom Hooper, Langi Gleeson and Rob Leota – everyone will move abroad at the end of the season.

“The clarity is that we will prioritize them, but clarity is also that no one is out of the mix,“Schmidt said.

“And so, if there is someone (who) is overcoming his opponents in terms of selecting the team … Then we know how difficult the lions will be.

“We know how deep they will enter players truly experienced, athletic and fighter. So we know we will have, as close as we can, the best group to compete against those boys.“

In his busy year, Schmidt has given the captain on Liam Wright’s arm, props Allan Alaalato and James Slipper, and most recently Harry Wilson, who led the team in seven of the last eight games of 2024.

Schmidt was still unclear who would direct Wallabies against lions, however.

“It’s a really good question, and unfortunately is what I have no answer,“He said.

“I felt Harry ended tightly, and I felt that others did a good job when they were in violation. I think we will try to get our choice first, and then tight in that position of direction and captain.“