All Blacks assistant Smith to step down

Yep RT - I can see Smithy getting his helicopter pilot licence just like that other favourite rural son and then, just disappear into the background, to enjoy it all.....good onya Smithy and best wishes.

.... "But I am even more sure that his family – and his own life – will always be more important than “being a Kiwi”..... " Spot on NV .... If you knew Putaruru, it (with respect to its citizens), its a tiny rural settlement with a population of less than 3,800 in the Waikato, without the attractions of big cities and rarely makes news, Blink as you drive through and you will almost miss the town. This is the place where Wayne Smith was born, which in some way is indicative of his preference to avoid the limelight and the closeness of his family group.

I just gave him a call and invited him to spend a winter in Brisbane he said he would think about it in a serious manner. Could you imagine the salivating from other rugby entities where something like that happened? Can only imagine. All the best to him and what he has brought to Rugby and hope he enjoys his family time in Noosa

Me

Who in their right mind wants to spend that time amongst the idiots on that free?way twice daily?

He won't consider anything Aussies. ..

Yeah RT, if anything, your sneaky feeling is the one to put money on. I read the long interview with Smihty in Stuff now and it is pretty clear that he is not retiring (or planning to coach in SA), just having a break. When he feel he is break is "done", the AB option is very much in the cards. 18 months to recharge, get quality time with the family, get inspired and see new things he can do on rugby pitch. After that, come January 2019, slide back to the AB's and try to complete the triple.

I say he would not betray NZ if he chose to work in Australia or SA ort simliar. He has payed his dues to NZ rugby tenfold and if he - despite all odds - would chose to work outside NZ in the future, I doubt many (if any) Kiwi's would say that he has betrayed the nation. Who can look themselves in the mirror and say with a straight face: "I have done more for NZ rugby than Smithy?" I am sure Smithy is a very proud Kiwi. But I am even more sure that his family - and his own life - will always be more important than "being a Kiwi". At the end of the day we all live our lives in our own minds and hearts and we are born alone we die alone.

It is far fetched no doubt. Very far fetched. And when wrote those words I had not yet read the long interview with Smithy in Stuff where he said he does not want to work against the AB's, especially not with a Tier 1 nation. If anything, he might end up coaching a Pacific Islander side, if he ever would chose to work outside NZ again.

I agree with every word T-man write here. To expect people who almost have nothing to sacrifice their only chance to create some security for themselves and their families, just because other people have some idea how they should live their life… I think that shows very poor understanding about humans overall. There is still hope T-man… We can agree on some things at least ;)

Australian rugby needs this type of rugby mind. But then I don't think he will betray his country or let alone his former co coaches by accepting a Wallabies coaching duties. The best he can do is take on a Super Rugby side.

Exactly. Which is why he should come to the Brumbies :P.

Dan Not while Tew and Hansen, are running the show in the backroom and on the paddock. Plus, I'd suggest Dingo knows that anyway and it would be a major surprise, if he throws his hat in the ring.

taylorman, I know that I am in the minority who shares the view that they shouldn't coach a top level nation against the ABs. Same applies to guys like Eddie Jones who in my view has betrayed the Wallabies and Australian rugby. My argument is that they are plenty of club gigs available, so why must they coach the national team? It goes back to being loyal to the brand and the jersey that ultimately made these guys. I know in a professional world, thee things don't matter, but I wish it did. Wayne Smith turned down a massive offer from England and stayed in NZ for a fraction of the salary, so we can't just say that he is in a position to pick and choose. He made a huge financial sacrifice and that's to be applauded.

We can dream though, RT, we can dream..

Robbie????

indeed tman you could say the same about mckenzies tenure (started and finished against nz and short enough for that to matter)

And if Cheika gets more time perhaps his winning % will be above Deans? We haven't had any losses to Samoa or Scotland recently either. There are arguments in favour of each coach. Personally, I think we would be in a better spot if we had stuck with Link, but alas.

Anythings really ok these days, it's just a personal thing for Smith, as it was Dean's to move. He's very much a kiwi home boy with simple needs and does it for the love of the game. He's too old, and by old I mean set in his ways, not physically, to start taking on the issues of another country, good or bad. He doesn't like the limelight which is why he no longer wants the top job. Too be honest Im surprised he doesn't go through to the WCup. Hansen will need to choose wise. Is Mick Byrne available? :-)

Ha ha, more than sneaky...hell would freeze over before that happened...:-)