Close Call: Joe Schmidt's Wallabies Almost Topple the All Blacks

In a Rugby Championship game, Joe Schmidt's Wallabies nearly overcame a 21-point deficit to defeat the All Blacks. Despite the narrow 31-28 loss, Schmidt emphasized the team's growth and the importance of learning from their close matches. The loss will drop Australia to 10th in world rankings.

Joe Schmidt dismissed any great feeling of optimism as the Wallabies nearly overcame a 21-point deficit against the All Blacks in a Rugby Championship test on Saturday.

The 31-28 defeat ended Australia's hopes of reclaiming the Bledisloe Cup and will drop the Wallabies to 10th in global rankings.

Despite the loss, Schmidt highlighted the team's progress and stressed the need to learn from close matches. The Wallabies have had mixed results under Schmidt, with notable heavy defeats but also signs of improvement. Next year, the British and Irish Lions tour Australia, and Schmidt is optimistic about the Wallabies' potential.

(With inputs from agencies.)