Who is the foxiest coach in world rugby?

If the last month of international rugby was a boxing match between two heavyweights, I am calling it a draw.

Any one of the eight teams can beat anybody else on their day and another five are genuine contenders for the crown, maybe six.

With many countries having similar player talent and depth it may come down to the nous and tactics of the coaches. So which country has the shrewdest, wiliest, craftiest downright foxiest coach on the planet?

Joe Schmidt

What a year the Irish have had. Their campaign started with a miracle drop goal against the French and has morphed into one of the greatest years of Rugby in Irish history.

An undefeated Six Nations campaign, followed by a victory in the game of the year against the All Blacks has lifted expectations for the Irish in 2019.

Joe Schmidt’s response after the New Zealand match was classic coaching 101, claiming underdog status for next year’s World Cup.

He said, “So for us to be favourites when they have been the world number one team for nine years, and continue to be the world number one team… we were at home, and they were coming off a long series of games where they have travelled around the world a number of times.”

He went on in his humble way.

Joe Schmidt has been impressive as coach of Ireland in 2018. (AFP PHOTO / PAUL FAITH)

“The crowd were phenomenal tonight. And that’s a lot of things stacked in our favour. So we’ll take tonight, and leave 11 months’ time for 11 months’ time.”

Keeping a lid on the emotion and having his team look forward to 2019. He was announced as World Rugby’s coach of the year for 2018. He could well be confirmed as the new All Blacks coach by the end of the week.

Rating
Five foxes

Steve Hansen

The All Blacks have appeared to come right back to the field this year. Close losses to both the Irish and South Africans are no disgrace, however, coupled with tight comeback wins over South Africa and England, the All Blacks could easily have lost four tests in a year.

However, Hansen is experimenting with tactical selections and a new style of attacking play by picking Damian McKenzie at fullback.

“We are still stuck between the old way, and the new way, and we haven’t got it right yet,” Hansen told journalists after the Irish loss.

“Did we think we were going to have it right by now? Probably not. We have got a bit of work to do over the summer. We are not going to fix it in a week. But we will fix it and when we get it right we will see some big improvements.”

What team selections he makes for the Rugby Championship will be intriguing. Will he show his cards so close to the World Cup?

With a decision to be made before Christmas about his coaching future with New Zealand, 2019 could be the final year for one of the shrewdest coaches in history.

If the gamble of creating a new style comes off and they can win an incredible hat-trick of titles then he will be remembered as one of the greatest Rugby coaches of all time.

Rating
Four foxes.

Rassie Erasmus

Still early days for the passionate South African coach but he is already instilling the values of the great Springbok teams past. They had a memorable win against the All Blacks in New Zealand and somehow lost the return fixture.

They are still inconsistent with losses to Argentina, Australia and Wales. However, another 12 months under Erasmus will give them the confidence to challenge for the trophy next year.

South Africa Rassie Erasmus smiles after a rugby championship test match against New Zealand. (AP Photo/John Cowpland)

The players seem more committed to each other under Erasmus, a clear indicator they are investing in his methods and leadership.

“We went back to our traditional way, how the Springboks play rugby,” Wasps and Springboks full-back Willie Le Roux said.

“Everyone in the team is equal, and it makes a big difference. The guys are playing for each other more and we know what it means for our country back home”.

Rating
Three-and-a-half foxes.

Eddie Jones
England have not lit the world on fire this year. An extremely disappointing Six Nations campaign left Jones under immense pressure.

However, some strong Autumn results have revived expectations of England’s 2019 campaign. Jones loves a mind game or two and uses the media wonderfully to get his agenda across.

He has the ability to get teams performing at World Cups. Think Australia, South Africa and Japan. With Jones at the helm, write off the English at your own peril.

Rating
Three foxes.

Warren Gatland

Wales had a strong Six Nations, finishing second behind the Irish. However, the biggest moment this year for Gatland was getting the ape off his back with his team finally beating the Wallabies in Cardiff.

Wales coach Warren Gatland. (Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

They then beat the Springboks over the weekend completing an unbeaten Autumn schedule for the Welsh. Gatland also led the Lions to the drawn series in New Zealand last year which is a huge achievement so he knows how to beat the All Blacks as well.

Rating
Three foxes.

Michael Cheika

He could be the foxiest of all foxes. The craftiest of all cWallabiesith the wallabies winning four out of 13 including a loss against the Welsh, Cheika has been under immense pressure since the Irish toured in June.

Strange starting XVs, positional changes to his star players and random overseas selections have created what looks to be a confusing environment. However, this could all be a ploy for people to write off the Wallabies chances and they might just pull out a miracle.

Or they may not.

Rating
One fox

Next year’s World Cup is shaping to be the best in history. Which coach will win it for their team?

Please note: no foxes were hurt in the writing of this article.