With Ireland preparing for the final Six Nations game this weekend against Scotland, Schmidt will be looking forward to reacquainting himself with a familiar face. It will be the first time that Schmidt faces his old coaching friend Vern Cotter on the international stage after the New Zealander took over from Scott Johnson.
It might not be the last time the pair are together on the international stage if one of the men who played under the pair in New Zealand is to be believed. Former Samoan no. 8 Paul Tupai was a key part of the Bay Of Plenty's first and only Ranfurly Shield win that put Schmidt and Cotter on the map.
I think coaching the All Blacks together is probably their ultimate goal.
Tupai theorises that the dream coaching ticket could be in place by the end of the 2017, which is when the current New Zealand boss Steve Hansen's contract runs out. Tupai was speaking to the Press Association of Sport of Cotter and Schmidt's potential plans.
I don't really know how it works in New Zealand for that, I assume you have to get in line and wait your chance. I wouldn't be surprised if they already have a plan to be fair, to try to get back there together. And they've definitely got to be up there.
While it's not pleasant to read, it's clear that Schmidt and Cotter are in the line of coaches to take up the job before the end of their careers. Tupai thinks they compliment each other well with Schmidt taking care of the backs while Cotter who is more forwards oriented would take care of the pack.
They just complemented each other really and Joe's a good man, his background as a schoolteacher really shows when he talks to people.
None of this is coming from Schmidt or Cotter, but it's not unreasonable to think that both he would want to coach the All Blacks and that they would want a coach of his success and pedigree.
via RTÉ
