SYDNEY - The Australian optimism raised by test victories over the British & Irish Lions and South Africa earlier this year has been all but extinguished by two losses to the All Blacks and a winless tour of Europe in November.

Defeats at the hands of England, Italy, Ireland and France over the last four weeks make it hard to argue with a world ranking of seventh heading into the December 3 draw for the 2027 World Cup, which Australia will host.