All Blacks great makes huge Joe Schmidt claim after ‘kick in the guts’ Wallabies move

All Blacks hooker Dane Coles admitted that seeing Joe Schmidt take over their arch-rivals Australia was difficult to stomach.

The former Ireland boss was named as Eddie Jones’ successor in January, just under three months after helping New Zealand reach the Rugby World Cup final.

Schmidt joined Ian Foster’s coaching midway through 2022 and became an influential figure as they reached the 2023 global showpiece.

Mixed emotions

Coles is therefore disappointed that the 58-year-old has chosen to head to the Wallabies, although the front-rower is pleased that he has remained in coaching.

“When you have a guy that is in the All Black environment heading over, it’s kind of a kick in the guts,” he told reporters.

“But I’d rather see him coach as he still has a lot to give and is a great coach, so it’s good to see him put his hand up.

“With Australia not doing too well at the World Cup, international rugby needs Aussie to be stronger, like they were.

“If he can do that, which I am sure he will get that team up to scratch, it will be awesome.”

Schmidt came in during a turbulent time for the All Blacks, which saw head coach Foster placed under a huge amount of pressure following a poor run of form.

The ex-Irish head honcho is therefore credited with playing a significant role in turning New Zealand’s fortunes around.

Their World Cup eventually ended in agonising fashion as they went down 12-11 to the Springboks in the final, but Coles felt the team wouldn’t have even been in that match had Schmidt not joined the set-up.

Coles’ Schmidt claim

“I reckon he was a massive influence in us kind of getting back in those last couple of years to international standard and being consistent in those games as well,” he added.

“If he wasn’t there I don’t reckon we would have gotten into a final without him.

“He was big on our attack, our breakdown. He is real passionate and intense when he talks and in his delivery – it just makes you not want to let him down – he calls out people, puts you on the spot.

“He’s a real intense character when he is coaching and it was probably something we needed when he came in.

“He played a massive part in us reaching that final of the World Cup.”

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