NEWS: All Blacks great Dane Coles has praised Joe Schmidt for leading New Zealand to the World Cup final, saying his appointment as Wallabies coach is a win for Australia and world rugby.
After six years as Ireland's head coach, overseeing their rise to world No. 1, Schmidt joined his country in August 2022 as assistant to Ian Foster.
His appointment as attack coach helped rebuild the All Blacks' struggling All Blacks squad, which had lost six of its previous eight Tests, including a historic defeat to Ireland in the home series. Ta.
Their win-loss record since then is 15 wins, 3 losses (1 draw), including a 1 point difference against South Africa in the World Cup final in Paris.
When asked if he would have gotten there without Schmidt's help, Coles was firm.
“No. I think he's had a big influence on me getting back to international standards over the last few years and being consistent in my matches,” said Coles, who plays in Rugby League 1 for Kubota in Japan. He spoke at a press conference from. Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay store.
“If it wasn't for him, I don't think we would have made it to the final without him.
“He's contributed a lot to our attack and breakdown. He's really passionate and intense when he speaks and when he delivers. It just makes you not want to let you down. He calls people out and puts you on the spot.
“He's a really strong character when he's coaching and that was probably what we needed when he came in.
“He played a big role in us getting to the World Cup final.”
Schmidt was appointed last month to replace Eddie Jones, who parted ways with the Wallabies after a disastrous World Cup season that saw them suffer a historic exit in the pool round.
Coles, who won 90 Test caps, said it was tough to see fellow Kiwis in the opposition half, but he believed it would be good for world rugby if Australia were strong.
“When you see a player in the All Blacks' environment coming towards you, it feels like a gut punch in a way.
“But I'd rather see him coach. He still has a lot to offer and he's a great coach, so it would be nice to see him raise his hand.”
“We need Australia to be as strong as they were in international rugby because they haven't done very well in the World Cup.
“If he can do that, he'll definitely get the team back to zero and that would be great.”
