Irish rugby fans will no doubt be keeping a close eye on Australia's progress over the next 18 months or so, for a couple of reasons. Not only are Andy Farrell and the Lions set to go Down Under in 2025, but the appointment of Joe Schmidt as their new head coach adds an extra layer of intrigue.
The 58-year old did a brilliant job during his time in charge of Ireland, leading the team to three Six Nations titles. He would go on to link up with New Zealand over the last couple of years, helping them to a World Cup final in 2023. Of course, they would knock Ireland out in the quarter-finals along the way.
Schmidt was offered the chance to continue in the All Blacks setup after the appointment of Scott Robertson, although he opted to move on. He would be appointed by Australia soon after, where it will be hoped that he can help improve a faltering rugby nation.
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NZ rugby legend makes Ireland comparison after Joe Schmidt move
Joe Schmidt's move to Australia has made many rugby figures in New Zealand uneasy, including some of the players who worked with him in recent years. That also extends to pundits.
Speaking on The Breakdown, former All Blacks winger and Italy coach John Kirwan admitted that he was not thrilled to see him take on the Wallabies gig so soon after working with his home nation.
I was a little bit disappointed. I think he will do great and we want Australia to be strong, but I think if you come this way – you coach other nations and then come back and coach the All Blacks – I just think it’s too close.
As an ex-All Black, I get uncomfortable with too much IP (intellectual property), but good luck to him. I hope he makes Australia to be strong. He’s a good coach.
Schmidt is sure to bring some of what he learned during his time with the All Blacks to Australia, although it remains to be seen how quickly that would close the current gap between the two sides.
However, Kirwan's former teammate Jeff Wilson saw no issue with the move. He even compared it to when he joined the All Blacks setup after his departure from Ireland.
He’s a professional rugby coach so that’s his living, that’s his job, he can coach wherever he likes.
It doesn’t bother me the fact he’s reconnected with David Nucifora, who he worked with in Ireland. They were at the start of something special up there.
I have no issues with it whatsoever. If he wants to coach and wants to coach at the highest level, you take the best opportunity available.
Am I surprised that it’s happened now? Yes, a little bit. There’s no doubt he’s taking some IP away, but you could say that he did that from Ireland and took it to New Zealand. It’s not different.
It certainly seems like there is little doubt that Joe Schmidt played a major role in masterminding the All Blacks' win over Ireland at the World Cup, with his knowledge on the opposition likely to have been invaluable in the buildup to that one.
New Zealand rugby fans will be hoping that he does not repeat that trick with Australia over the next few years.
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