As the Wallabies are about to embark on their spring tour to the British Isles and Ireland, we should assess where they are at. Coming off four wins from their nine matches this season, and being ranked 10th in the world, they are not in anyway achieving success.

Two wins over a weak, developing Welsh side and a shaky win over Georgia to start Joe Schimdt’s tenure has barely been a pass mark. Then, despite some positive aspects, going down to the world-champion Springbok outfit in two tests at home proved that there is still plenty of work to do with this team. A narrow one-point victory over Argentina followed by a massive 67-27 loss the following week exposed this side’s deficiencies.

Rounding out The Rugby Championship with a loss at home to the All Blacks and a week later losing in Wellington did not do the Wallabies any favours. Leaving Schmidt with only four wins from nine outings and the lowest ranking of 10th in the world provides plenty of homework for him ahead of the spring tour.

It hasn’t been all doom and gloom, though, with a wealth of talent exposed with 16 debutants given a chance. Carlo Tizzano was a standout coming in for the injured Fraser McReight and Dylan Pietsch showed he is up to world standard, particularly in his first run-on test in Wellington. Rob Valetini was a menace alongside Harry Wilson and McReight; and Taniela Tupou showed how tough he is but is barely getting through 40 minutes.

However, if the Wallabies are going to have any impact at next year’s British and Irish Lions tour, they are going to have to show plenty of improvement. The spring tour provides that opportunity. Bringing in overseas-based players such as Will Skelton does just that. Also, Quade Cooper or Bernard Foley to provide some guidance for Noah Lolesio, Ben Donaldson and Tom Lynagh. Even from left field picking one of Brisbanerugby’s top sons, Isaac Lucas, who is killing it in Japan, could be another solution for the lacklustre display at number 10.