Former All Blacks hooker Dane Coles has admitted that it hurts seeing Joe Schmidt take over the Wallabies after playing a key role for New Zealand at the 2023 World Cup.
Schmidt was confirmed as Eddie Jones’ successor in January, around three months after helping New Zealand progress to the World Cup final.
The former Ireland coach joined the All Blacks coaching staff midway through 2022, becoming an influential figure in turning the team around, so centurion Coles told the media in New Zealand that he isn’t happy to see him go to Australia.
“When you have a guy that is in the All Black environment heading over, it’s kind of a kick in the guts,” he told reporters. “But I’d rather see him coach as he still has a lot to give and is a great coach, so it’s good to see him put his hand up.
“With Australia not doing too well at the World Cup, international rugby needs Aussie to be stronger, like they were.
“If he can do that, which I am sure he will get that team up to scratch, it will be awesome.”
Schmidt won three Six Nations titles during his time with Ireland, including a Grand Slam in 2018, a season that him named as World Rugby’s Coach of the Year.
He joined New Zealand when Ian Foster was under tremendous pressure following a historic home series defeat to Ireland and a then-record loss to the Springboks.
“If he wasn’t there I don’t reckon we would have gotten into a final without him,” Coles admitted.
“He was big on our attack, our breakdown. He is real passionate and intense when he talks and in his delivery – it just makes you not want to let him down – he calls out people, puts you on the spot.
“He’s a real intense character when he is coaching and it was probably something we needed when he came in.”
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