Wallabies centre Len Ikitau says the team is hungry for victory on Sunday (AEDT) against Ireland to repay coach Joe Schmidt.
Schmidt is halfway through his final overseas trip as Wallabies coach, set to depart after next year’s Australian leg of the Autumn Nations Series.
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Since taking over in 2024, the former Irish boss has transformed the squad's profile, with several superstars handed returns by Schmidt.
This includes Ikitau, who missed the 2023 Rugby World Cup after falling out of favour due to injury.
“I think every game we want to play for our coaches, we want to play for our country so it's no different this week. I think Joe's been massive for us. A lot of the boys in this group went to a World Cup and some boys didn't get to go to the World Cup and I think he's saved a couple of boys' careers," Ikitau told reporters.
“I think all we want to do is give back to Joe and we'll be in a way to do that and put in a good performance on Saturday.”
Ikitau pointed to captain Harry Wilson as the perfect example, going from Super Rugby standout to influential leader.
“He was on the fringe of the Wallabies team and I think the way he's transformed over the last couple of years has been awesome," he explained.
"You [now] look at him as a genuine leader within this pack and in this team and that's just one person out of a lot of boys in the team.”
The Brumbies/Exeter centre has been excellent under Schmidt, awarded the John Eales Medal in 2025 for his consistent performances.
It has him in the discussion as one of the best centres in the world, with the 27-year-old revealing that some tough conversations early last year helped spearhead his form revival.
“I think he's made some good selections but he's real honest. He's honest with his feedback. He's honest if you're not sharp or intent on doing something, he'll pull you up," Ikitau added.
“...When he first came in, he had a chat with my manager [during] Super Rugby season and he said that I wasn't in the squad at the moment and that was the honest feedback that I got.
“I think it helped me to push that extra mile so just like having those honest conversations with him has been good."
