State of the Nation: Wallabies moving in the right direction despite injuries

The Rugby Championship has been concluded. Australia finished in third place. They won two of their five Tests on their end-of-year tour to Europe. Head coach Dave Rennie named a 36-man squad for their Tests against Scotland, France, Italy, Ireland and Wales. Michael Hooper was included in the group after taking a mental health break on the eve of the Rugby Championships.

Australia had a tough tour in 2022. They won two out of six matches in Rugby Championship and lost to England in July. The tour started well with a 16-15 victory at Murrayfield. In Paris, they lost 30-29 to France. Next they played against Italy, who were considered the weakest team on the tour. Their final match was against Wales, and they won 39-24. They had won just five out 14 matches last year. However, their winning percentage was 35.7%. The 2023 Rugby World Cup is looming. It is also in Australia's favour.

Wallabies have won just five out 14 Tests in 2022. They have a win rate of 38 per cent since Rennie took over the coaching reins after the 2019 World Cup. The Wallabies were competitive in all of their matches on their end-of-year tour. Nawaqanitawase and Jock Campbell impressed after making their international debuts.