Two teams with less than stellar records meet on Matchday 3 of the 2026 Nations Championship as Australia host Italy in Perth. Joe Schmidt takes charge of the Wallabies for the final time with both teams desperate to avoid ending the Southern Hemisphere series with three defeats from three.
Schmidt has more than a little pride in his agenda for going high. His Wallabies side are on a six-game losing streak, winning just one of their last 10 matches. Another defeat here and Schmidt will end an abysmal two-year spell with the lowest winning percentage of any Australian coach in the professional era. The Kiwis have kept faith with Declan Meredith on the fly after last weekend’s 42-26 loss to France, which saw Ben Donaldson return to the bench. Local Perth hero Carlo Tizzano gets the nod in the back row with Fraser McReight on the bench. Max Jørgensen starts again on the wing.
Italy may have lost 47-17 to New Zealand, but they pressed the All Blacks hard before a red card from Lorenzo Cannone ended their chances. Gonzalo Quesada, suspended from the sidelines after being guilty of referee abuse last time out, has made nine changes from that defeat, with Tommaso Menoncello somewhat surprisingly out of the 23 in total. Louis Lynagh, son of Wallaby legend Michael, starts on the wing with Monty Ioane on the opposite flank. Nacho Brex continues in the entry, with the tactical work coming from fly-half Paolo Garbisi.
Read on as we explain how to watch Australia vs Italy for free in the 2026 Nations Championship.
Can you watch Australia vs Italy for free?
Yes. Australia vs Italy shown on free-to-air Rugby pass TV in the United States, at ITVX in Great Britain, on Virgin Media Play in Ireland and beyond 9 Now in Australia.
Are you traveling abroad right now? You can use one VPN to watch Australia vs Italy for free as if you were at home.
Use a VPN to watch Australia vs Italy live streams
A VPN is a handy piece of software that can make your device look like it’s back in your home country so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with up to 75% off.
How to watch Australia vs Italy live streams in USA
Australia vs Italy is available to stream live for FREE on Rugby pass TV in the United States.
You can tune in via the Rugbypass TV website or app and it works with Chromecast, Airplay, AppleTV and Android TV.
Outside the US? Use one VPN while traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
How to watch Australia vs Italy live streams in the UK
In the UK, Australia vs Italy is free-to-air on ITV1with live streaming available via ITVX.
All you need is an account, a TV license and a UK postcode (eg HA9 0WS). Register here!
If you’re outside the UK but still want to tune in, go explore The VPN route above which will help you access your accounts anywhere.
How to watch Australia vs Italy live streams in Ireland
Australia vs Italy is free-to-air on Virgin Media One in Ireland, with live streaming available via Virgin Media Play platform.
Outside of Ireland? You will have to download a VPNas described above, to take advantage of your free Nations Championship stream from abroad.
How to watch Australia vs Italy live streams in Australia
In Australia, Wallabies vs Italy is free-to-air on Channel 9, with live streaming available via 9 Now.
Stan Sportsmeanwhile, provides coverage of all Nations Championship matches. Stan Sport costs AU$20/month on top of a Stan subscription, which itself starts at AU$12/month.
Not in Australia right now? You can simply use a VPN-like NordVPN to watch the action as if you were back home.
How to watch Australia vs Italy live streams in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Sky Sports NZ shows the match between Australia and Italy.
You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or get a live stream included Sky Sport Now subscription service starting at NZ$29.99 per day or NZ$59.99 per month.
Those outside New Zealand for any part of the Nations Championship can use NordVPN to access their home streaming service.
How to watch Australia vs Italy live streams in South Africa
The match between Australia and Italy will be shown on Supersport in South Africa.
You must have one DStv access package to watch Nations Championship 2026, with prices starting at Rs 99/month for the streaming version.
Abroad right now? Just use a VPN and tell your device that you are back home and ready to go.
How to watch Australia vs Italy live streams in Canada
In Canada, Australia will be shown against Italy Premier Sports.
You will need either the CA$29.99 monthly card to view this game. Or to catch the entire tournament, there’s a six-month pass for $79.99 or an annual subscription for $139.99 per year.
If you’re out of Canada but still want to catch the action, explore The VPN route above which will help you access your accounts anywhere.
What is the start time for Australia vs Italy?
The scheduled kick-off time for Australia vs Italy on Saturday 18th July is 18.10 AWST local time in Perth, which is 3.10am PT / 6.10am ET / 11.10am BST / 8.10pm AEST.
What is Australia vs Italy head-to-head?
The Wallabies have won 18 of their 20 previous meetings with Italy. The Azzurri have won two.
In Australia, the head-to-head stands at 7-0.
Can I watch Australia vs Italy on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access via mobile apps or via your phone’s browser. For example, Rugbypass TV, ITVX, Virgin Media Play and 9Now all have dedicated apps.
We test and review VPN services for legitimate recreational use. For example: 1. Accessing a Service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that Service). 2. Protecting your online security and enhancing your online privacy when you are abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid-for pirated content is neither endorsed nor endorsed by Future Publishing.
