The presence of Joe Schmidt in the New Zealand coaching set-up should be a cause for concern ahead of Saturday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final, but it won’t be enough to defeat Ireland, according to Mike Ross.
One of the subplots to the mouth-watering last eight tie in Paris is the world number one side coming up against the most decorated coach in Irish rugby history.
After silverware-laden years with Leinster, Schmidt oversaw the beginning of a new dawn on the international front, with the groundwork build on by current coach Andy Farrell.
Schmidt is now of course a key part of Ian Foster’s backroom team and with such a detailed knowledge of the Irish system and players, it has been suggested that the Kiwi could help derail Ireland’s latest quest to reach a maiden semi-final.
Former Leinster and prop Ross worked under Schmidt at both provincial and international level and says his influence cannot be discounted.
“Joe will be going through defence, looking for gIrelandaps around rucks, or if we’re short in the backfield somewhere, any weakness he can find,” he told 2fm’s Game On.
“He is always good for coming up for one or two set-plays to exploit that. I worry about him and what he can do.”
Since Schmidt left the Irish post – initially as director of rugby and high performance at World Rugby before linking up with the All Blacks in late 2021 – many of the players have spoken about the different atmosphere in camp under the new regime, suggesting that the all-consuming environment of the New Zealander had been at times stifling.
Ross insists that Schmidt’s work – primarily breakdown efficiency, speed of feed and work-rate – paved the way for a new era, with Farrell adding his stamp to the project.
Despite his former coach now embedded in the opposition, Ross feels Ireland will still have too much for the All Blacks.
Despite his former coach now embedded in the opposition, Ross feels Ireland will still have too much for the All Blacks.
Describing them as “uncharacteristically sloppy” in the opening pool defeat to France, he believes there are too many question marks surrounding the three-time world champions.
“Have New Zealand been really challenged since then (defeat to France)? It’s hard to tell where they are at.
“If you want to win a World Cuyp, you are going to have to beat them at some stage, so next weekend is the perfect opportunity.”
Follow a live blog of Ireland v New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday with kick-off 8pm. Listen to live radio commentary on RTÉ Radio 1.
Watch England v Fiji and France v South Africa in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday from 3.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow live blogs on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app
Describing them as “uncharacteristically sloppy” in the opening pool defeat to France, he believes there are too many question marks surrounding the three-time world champions.
“Have New Zealand been really challenged since then (defeat to France)? It’s hard to tell where they are at.
“If you want to win a World Cuyp, you are going to have to beat them at some stage, so next weekend is the perfect opportunity.”
Follow a live blog of Ireland v New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday with kick-off 8pm. Listen to live radio commentary on RTÉ Radio 1.
Watch England v Fiji and France v South Africa in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday from 3.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow live blogs on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app
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