Wallabies vs Italy: Match Preview and Countdown in Perth

The Australian national rugby team, the Wallabies, are set to host Italy for the first time in Perth on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The match will take place at HBF Park as part of the new Nations Championship tournament.

The Nations Championship is a new competition that pits the top six Southern Hemisphere teams against the six best nations from the Northern Hemisphere in a contest for world rugby supremacy.

This encounter will mark the 21st Test match played between the two nations. It also serves as a significant milestone for the coaching staff, as it will be the final match in charge for coach Joe Schmidt.

Italian Form and Recent History

Italy enters the fixture as one of the most improved nations in international rugby. The Azzurri recently completed a Six Nations tournament where they secured victories over England, Scotland and Wales.

The historical dynamic between the two teams has shifted recently. Italy has won the last two Test matches against the Wallabies, both of which occurred in Italy.

These recent Italian victories ended a long period of Australian dominance. Prior to those results, the Wallabies had maintained a streak of 18 straight victories against Italy, a run that began with their inaugural Test in Rovigo in 1983.

Perth as a Rugby Hub

The match at HBF Park is expected to engage both domestic and interstate fans, as well as Perth’s Italian community. A notable connection between the teams is Carlo Tizzano, who plays as a flanker for both the Wallabies and the Western Force.

Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh stated that the partnership with Premier Roger Cook and his team helps bring international rugby to Western Australia, further enhancing the state’s standing as a world-class major events centre.

Upcoming Fixtures and 2027 World Cup

The Test against Italy is the first of two major fixtures scheduled for the Wallabies in Perth during 2026. Following the July match, the Wallabies will face the world champion South African team at Optus Stadium on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Perth’s involvement in major rugby events will extend into the following year. The Wallabies are scheduled to return to Perth to open the 2027 Rugby World Cup at Optus Stadium, where they will play against Hong Kong China.

The 2027 Rugby World Cup is identified as the third largest sporting event in the world.