The next Wallabies coach has problems to fix. The Waratahs could be the beneficiaries

April 5, 2026 — 1:47pm

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Les Kiss has some problems at the Reds. It would look awkward for Rugby Australia if Kiss moves into the Wallabies job following a failed Super Rugby campaign, but it is possible given how the Queensland side is playing.

They were beaten up during the 42-19 loss to the Western Force on Saturday, and some of their key leaders aren’t playing well: they desperately need Tate McDermott back on the field.

The Reds’ next four fixtures are the Crusaders (home), Blues (Super Round in Christchurch), Brumbies (home) and Chiefs (home). In fact, if the Waratahs have a pathway to the playoffs, it will come at the expense of the Reds.

The Waratahs may have their own limitations, but they are only four competition points behind the Reds. Their next four games are: Moana Pasifika (home), Crusaders (Super Round in Christchurch), Western Force (home) and Highlanders (away) - on the face of it, an easier quartet of fixtures.

The Reds have conceded 94 points in their past two games, and the Crusaders will wipe the floor with them in Brisbane next Saturday unless the Reds find some starch and address the workrate issues a frustrated Kiss identified at halftime against the Force.

Why the Waratahs are so up and down

The 42-14 loss to the Chiefs on Saturday wasn’t........

© The Sydney Morning Herald