The Wallabies face Italy at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday, 18 July 2026, as both teams target their first victory of the inaugural Nations Championship.
Match Schedule and Global Broadcast Details
According to official broadcast listings, kick-off is scheduled for 6.10pm AWST local time in Perth, translating to 11.10am BST and 12.10pm CET. Fans across multiple regions can access free live coverage. In the United Kingdom, the match is available on ITV1 and ITVX, while Scottish viewers can watch on STV, as reported by broadcasters. Irish supporters can tune in via Virgin Media Play, and French audiences have access through TMC and TF1+. In the United States, RugbyPass TV provides free streaming following user registration. Australian supporters can watch every Wallabies home match for free on 9Go! and the 9Now streaming service, or via Stan Sport.
Team Selections and Recent Form
Australia enters the fixture following two defeats in the Southern Series, losing 33-31 to Ireland in Sydney and 42-26 to France in Brisbane, according to match records. Head coach Joe Schmidt has made a notable selection change by dropping Fraser McReight—who scored two tries against France—in favor of Perth-born Carlo Tizzano at openside flanker, per team announcements. Schmidt oversees the side during a difficult run that includes six successive defeats and nine losses in Australia’s past 10 matches.
Italy arrives in Perth after a 47-17 defeat against New Zealand in Wellington, where the Azzurri conceded heavily in the second half after trailing 14-10 at the break, according to match summaries. Head coach Gonzalo Quesada serves a two-match suspension following comments made after the All Blacks fixture, and experienced lock Niccolo Cannone is also unavailable due to a suspension for a headbutt, according to disciplinary reports. Quesada has made nine changes to his starting XV for the encounter in Western Australia.
International Viewing Options
Viewers outside the primary free-to-air regions utilize alternative providers, according to regional sports schedules. Sky Italia broadcasts the fixture in Italy with subscription options starting at €37.80 per month or a NOW pass at €19.99 per month. Sky Sport covers the match in New Zealand for $54.99 per month, and SuperSport holds the broadcast rights for South Africa via DStv, with kick-off set for 12.10pm SAST.
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