Reality check for Joe Schmidt as Wallabies suffer one of 'darkest days'

Early-season optimism dissolved after the mauling by Argentina

Australia's Wallabies Head Coach (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)

Australian rugby fans have become accustomed to false dawns and may feel another is unfolding before their eyes after the record defeat to Argentina in Santa Fe.

There was early-season optimism under new coach Joe Schmidt as the Wallabies whitewashed Wales and beat Georgia in a 3-0 start to the season in July.