Ireland v Wallabies: Josh van der Flier’s candid verdict on facing ex-boss Joe Schmidt

Ireland openside flanker Josh van der Flier has opened up on the impact Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt had on his career ahead of the teams’ Autumn Nations Series Test this weekend.

Schmidt had a six-year stint as Ireland’s head coach between 2013 and 2019 and during that time they won three Six Nations titles, in 2014, 2015 and 2018, with the latter triumph also being a Grand Slam victory.

After their superb form during the 2018 Six Nations, Schmidt was rewarded with World Rugby’s Coach of the Year award but his time with Ireland came to an abrupt end 12 months later after his side were knocked out of the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Since then, the 59-year-old had a stint as an assistant coach with Super Rugby outfit the Blues in 2022 and 2023 and also had a similar role with New Zealand during that time.

Replaced Eddie Jones as Wallabies head coach

Following the All Blacks’ loss to the Springboks in last year’s Rugby World Cup final, Schmidt became Australia‘s head coach after they had a disastrous campaign under the guidance of Eddie Jones at the global showpiece in France.

Prior to his appointment with Ireland, Schmidt coached Leinster from 2010 to 2013 and he had a huge influence on Van der Flier‘s development as a player at club level and in the Test arena.

“Joe gave me my first Irish cap,” said the 31-year-old. “When I came into the Leinster academy he was my first coach, so that was my first experience of fully professional rugby.

“He helped me a huge amount. His emphasis on detail, he goes above and beyond in that way, and his focus on players getting good habits and being good as individuals is something I developed hugely from.

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“That attention to detail he shows was something I tried to develop into my game. He’s a brilliant coach. I learned a huge amount from him. He has played a huge role in my career. I found him very, very good.”

Although the Wallabies struggled during the Rugby Championship – winning just one out of six matches – they have improved considerably and despite losing their most recent game, against Scotland, they claimed a shock victory over England and Twickenham in their tour opener and then beat Wales – for the third time this year – after sealing back-to-back wins over Warren Gatland’s charges in Australia in July.

Much has been said about Schmidt’s spell as Ireland coach in the build-up to Saturday’s Test and the fact that he will be up against his former assistant in Andy Farrell, who will also be the British & Irish Lions coach when they face the Wallabies in Australia next year.

Not underestimating Australia

Van der Flier is not taking much notice of such talk and is simply preparing for a tough challenge from Australia.

“We’re just playing against a proud rugby nation and we’re getting excited for that,” he added. “We know Joe very well. They’ll be well organised.

“We saw his trick plays from our side, and the way he sets up the team to beat the opposition. It’ll be a bit different – we’ll be expecting a few trick plays and a well-drilled side.

“The individuals as well, they’ve a lot of very good players so it will be a big challenge.”

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