Incoming Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt doesn’t officially start until next month, but the New Zealander is already impressing his new players after making a surprise visit to see them on Wednesday morning.
With representatives from all five Australian Super Rugby franchises on deck in Auckland for the launch of the 2024 competition, Schmidt went old school by turning down a Zoom call with the players and instead drove the best part of 300 kilometres and three-and-a-half hours from Lake Taupo to grab a coffee with them instead.
After last year’s tumultuous World Cup campaign, which culminated in Eddie Jones opting to leave one season into a five-year deal, Schmidt’s showing of commitment was just the remedy needed to raise the spirits in the hearts of several men he will likely call upon later in the year.
Indeed, four of the Super Rugby captains on deck – Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies), Jake Gordon (Waratahs), Tate McDermott (Reds) and Rob Leota (Rebels) – have pulled on the gold jersey, while Michael Wells, who won’t lead the Force in 2024, was part of Dave Rennie’s wider squad in 2022.
“The five of us captains had a little sit down with him this morning, just a very casual chat because we’ve got to get the ball rolling,” McDermott told The Roar.
“It was good to hear from him.
“Just from that brief chat, he’s obviously got a great rugby brain.
“When he starts to put his team together, I think it’ll be good for everyone.”
Waratahs captain Jake Gordon, Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa, Rebels captain Rob Leota, Force captain Michael Wells and Reds captain Tate McDermott at the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific Season Launch in Auckland. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images for Rugby Australia)
Gordon, who didn’t feature under Eddie Jones in 2023 but was considered for a late call-up before concussion scuppered that prospect, said it was pleasing to see Schmidt get on the “front foot” and drive home the importance of Super Rugby success.
“It was just a catch up to see the different personalities we have. But he wants to understand where we’re coming from and our expectations,” Gordon said.
“He got in front of us. We didn’t have anything planned and he must have been over here and he said let’s catch up in the morning.
“Logistically he’s trying to get on the front foot and plan things. There have been times that we haven’t had clarity between RA and the Super teams and he thinks that’s really important.”
Leota added: “All the captains are here, so he was seeing how all the clubs are going and providing a bit of feedback. He seems pretty quiet but you can tell he has a wealth of knowledge.”
Former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has taken over from Eddie Jones (L). (Photo by David Rogers – RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Imagesges)
Different from Eddie Jones?
“Yeah, I’d say different,” Leota said.
“I think any change is good. It can be good for the players, and it gives us a fresh start. It was cool to see him come up and make the effort.”
Schmidt, who was on deck in Roma to watch the Reds smash the Waratahs last weekend in their second trial, officially starts on March 1.
Although the former Ireland coach and All Blacks assistant will remain in New Zealand over the coming weeks, the respected rugby figure will get the chance to see all the Australian coaches at Super Round early next month in Melbourne.
ScottD
Roar Guru
I loved every moment of 2023 right up until the last 2 weeks of the RWC :)
ScottD
Roar Guru
I used to own a Leyland P76. I loved it. It was a great car.
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
Wales will be lucky to get the Six nations spoon.
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
That was close…
piru
Roar Rookie
It is when in NZ
piru
Roar Rookie
maybe it will be a back. Wash your mouth out!
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
"I think any change is good" How can any sane man say this after the Edddie Jones year of debacle? Did he sleep through 2023?
Wig1
Roar Rookie
The bloody roar is protecting rugby Australia I'm writing a few that aren't bad in a fans way but roar won't put them up,
Wig1
Roar Rookie
Phil Waugh unexperienced boss of rugby Australia so much for the clean out, entrenched in new old network, Secret squirrel, no info to fans,great player. I want constant regular updates public media conferences, releases to the fans why can't we have it What's Waugh doing? 20 years of xxxx. When are we going fwd what is the plan Month to month ? It's easy to see this slide another 5 years aye
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
I think it's one of the challenges he has is he goes full in and even though not started mentally he is working hard in the Oz job already. JS does alot in person and even more behind the scenes which why the Ireland job was so draining for him.
DGS
Roar Rookie
I hope it works with Joe but this is like ground hog day from the past few years. Each new Wallaby coach comes amidst fanfare and optimism…..then reality strikes. Atleast we have a soft draw at home to start with (Georgia and Wales) befitting our world ranking.
Thom
Roar Rookie
Lucky he's not in russia
Wig1
Roar Rookie
Just take a picnic basket and take the young fella,
Wig1
Roar Rookie
Yes power to Joe,best man for the job :thumbup:
Wig1
Roar Rookie
He's the real deal for sure m8 just hope to christ everyone 100% gets behind him this side of the ditch, Wales will be extremely tough to beat and will be very motivated. And I can't see ra getting on top of the issues anytime soon I don't like the secret squirrel mode they should be very publicly talking to the fans telling what they are doing and intending to do .Waugh is old boy nsw Mafia network rotten,but he'll of a rugby player :rugby:
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
JS knows how broke RA is so he probably didn't bother to ask. The Kiwi idea of a highway outside Auckland (south of the Bombay Hills) and outside Hamilton (more recent) is somewhat ... deceiving! All power to him, though. He is sending the right, and a much-needed, message to the Oz sides. I'm starting to think that his two-year contract may not be long enough. I wonder if his contract has an option for an extension.
Wig1
Roar Rookie
I did say good on him, he probly had other business to attend. Tomorrow I will drive to Perth 400 plus k it's what you do. Maybe rugby Australia didn't think to offer a rtn flight for him regardless if official business or not. Would he have to drive from Brisbane to Melbourne
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
Build up those frequent flyers . Money is no object for RA
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
Driving up from Lake Taupo? It's a greater feat than you realise! :shocked:
Bobby
Roar Rookie
I expect that with Gordon's playing and captaincy experience he would have showed something. His leadership was zero. Poreck, when fit, should replace him.