Why Ireland believe Joe Schmidt’s knowledge will not help the All Blacks in the quarter-finals

Ireland wing Keith Earls feels that All Blacks assistant coach Joe Schmidt’s knowledge of Irish rugby will not help the New Zealanders in this weekend’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final.

The New Zealander has an extensive history within Irish rugby, having led the team through the 2015 and 2019 World Cups before being succeeded by his assistant and now head coach, Andy Farrell.

Inside knowledge?

Schmidt found himself joining up with Ian Foster’s coaching team in 2022 as the All Blacks looked to find some improved form after a shaky start under the head coach.

All of which culminates in a very interesting match-up between Ireland and the All Blacks in a highly anticipated quarter-final in France where, in theory, Schmidt’s knowledge would be gold dust to the All Blacks; however, veteran Earls insists that is not the case.

The wing believes the team has evolved under Farrell and that Schmidt’s influence on the way they play has been phased out.

“I don’t think Joe would know anything about this squad,” said Earls. “We’re a completely different squad.

“He probably knows things about individuals but, again, we’ve all changed our habits under this coaching staff, and we genuinely don’t use any of the habits that Joe taught us.

“Look, he might have a thing on a couple of individuals, but we’re certainly not the same team that played under Joe.”

World Cup is different

The rivalry between the two countries is of the highest quality, having recently played a three-match Test series only last year where Ireland made history in New Zealand, which will give Farrell’s men good confidence going into this one.

Earls and all his experience knows that everything is different at the World Cup and is expecting a blockbuster clash.

“This tournament is a different animal,” said Earls.

“I know we have beaten New Zealand a few times in the last few years, but they have obviously taught us one or two lessons in between that and beaten us by more than one score.

“We’re under no illusion as to what is coming at the weekend.

“People speak about New Zealand the last year or two that they’ve dipped in performances, but what we’ve seen in this World Cup, they’re starting to come back with a roar.

“After the French game, it’s obviously ignited some spark in them. They’re starting to hit their stride again.

“We’re certainly not undermining New Zealand; you would be very silly to do that.

“I have no doubt they will be highly emotional and looking for revenge and bring everything they have.”

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