‘Inside job again’ – Dan Carter’s cheeky suggestion after Wallabies’ ‘world-class’ coaching appointments

All Blacks legend Dan Carter believes that the Wallabies have struck gold by hiring Joe Schmidt as their head coach.

The 43-year-old was also taken aback after hearing the news that scrum guru Mike Cron had joined Australia’s backroom team ahead of the start of their 2024 Test season.

Carter was speaking on the Kick Offs and Kick Ons podcast alongside Wallabies greats Drew Mitchell and Adam Ashley-Cooper when he was asked about Schmidt’s appointment.

‘World-class coach’

“I know Joe, I actually played golf with him about a week before the announcement and he gave nothing away whatsoever,” the All Blacks legend said.

“I saw the announcement and I was like, ‘mate, come on, you’ve got to give me some kind of insight.’ There was nothing.

“He’s a world-class coach, has shown what he’s capable of with Ireland and was hugely well respected (at the All Blacks). I spent a bit of time with the All Blacks last year and they just loved Joe and the way he challenged the players.

“He really questioned them and pushed them to be the best rugby players they possibly could be. He will have an impact, he’s a great coach. I wish him well, but obviously not too well.”

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Schmidt has put together a talented and experienced coaching team, which includes Laurie Fisher and ex-All Blacks coach Cron.

When told about Cron’s appointment, it was the first time Carter had heard the news, but he spoke glowingly about the New Zealand great.

“Oh mate, he is awesome. Crono was part of the All Blacks set-up my entire All Black career. Hugely well respected,” he said.

“Not that I know much about scrums or forward play, so I didn’t work that closely with Mike, but his experience and knowledge will be so valuable for the Wallabies.

“I know the scrum was an area that we really tried to target the Wallabies and if you get dominance there it often flows on to good momentum. He’s a huge signing, geez.”

Other New Zealand coaches

Schmidt and Cron are not the first Kiwi coaches to cross the Tasman Sea, with Robbie Deans and most latterly Dave Rennie among those to take a job in the Wallabies set-up.

Although Deans took Australia to a Rugby World Cup semi-final in 2011, he had his critics, particularly over their style of play, and he was sacked after their 2-1 series defeat to the British and Irish Lions in 2013.

Rennie was also dismissed, with the ex-Chiefs head coach departing just eight months out from the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

It led Carter to make a rather cheeky suggestion as Australian players and supporters prepare for life under Schmidt.

He said: “You know, you’ve had world-class New Zealand coaches coach the Wallabies before. Maybe it’s an inside job again?”

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