The Wallabies are set for a crucial week off before they take the field against Los Pumas for the first of two matches in Townsville.
The series looms as a crucial one in the context of Schmidt’s tenure - and not just because of the opportunity to win back the Puma Trophy and push claims for the first Rugby Championship title in a decade.
The Wallabies will be hoping two wins can see them maintain a top six place in the World Rankings, with World Cup calculations for 2027 now in full swing.
However, Australia's backline stocks will be sorely tested against their South American rivals after losing several key players, particularly in the halves.
So, what will the Wallaby backline look like when the side takes the field in Townsville?
Noah Lolesio, Jake Gordon, Harry Potter, Tom Wright, Dylan Pietsch
Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Tom Lynagh
Kurtley Beale, Andy Muirhead, Joey Walton, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Jock Campbell
Ryan Lonergan, Tane Edmed, Josh Flook, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Corey Toole, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart
There is no hyperbole for Joe Schmidt - a big backline reshuffle is on the cards, particularly around the halves and fullback position.
Pending external commitments, Noah Lolesio will likely be eased back into the Wallaby equation after copping a neck injury against Fiji and will be unlikely to feature, while the extent of Ben Donaldson’s groin injury is also unconfirmed.
The biggest loss for Schmidt is undoubtedly fullback Tom Wright, who faces a long stint on the sidelines after suffering an ACL injury in Cape Town.
Dylan Pietsch is also a significant loss after sustaining a jaw injury in Johannesburg, while Harry Potter and Jake Gordon both suffered hamstring injuries against the Lions and missed the flight to South Africa.
Tate McDermott and James O’Connor both reportedly suffered ankle injuries in Cape Town but played on due to Schmidt running out of back reserves, with both hopefully available to play in Townsville.
In better news for Schmidt, White and Suaalii should both be available to play against the Pumas after passing their mandatory 10-day stand down for HIA, as will flyhalf Tom Lynagh following his concussion during the third Lions Test.
Corey Toole and Max Jorgensen will likely hold onto their wing positions, giving Schmidt the option to turn to Andrew Kellaway to fill Wright’s position, or potentially trial Suaalii at fullback after playing there for the Waratahs.
Wider squad members Hunter Paisami, Hamish Stewart, Josh Flook and Filipo Daugunu serve as midfield options, with Daugunu and Flook also covering wing.
Should White or McDermott be unavailable, uncapped scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan will likely debut after his extended tenure in the wider Wallabies squad.
With a big shift in the backline likely signposted, Schmidt will have spaces to bring in new blood or recall other options to the wider squad - and Jock Campbell could fit the bill for a recall.
Should Schmidt’s flyhalf woes continue, the Wallabies’ coach may well send an SOS to Queensland's Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.
Australia A centre Joey Walton also serves as a reliable back up centre option, while Brumby veteran Andy Muirhead has slotted into a utility back position on several occasions during the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Finally, after an encouraging performance in the First Nations Pasifika XV, Kurtley Beale could also slot into the squad as an experienced back up option, similar to O’Connor.
The 95-capped Wallaby veteran has been confirmed fit, being named in the Western Force’s Super Rugby AUS squad.
