New Australia head coach Joe Schmidt will take advice from sacked predecessors Eddie Jones and Dave Rennie, as well as former skipper Michael Hooper.
Schmidt is set to take the Wallabies reins on 1 March, and in a wide-ranging interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, the 58-year-old emphasised the importance of consulting with Jones and fellow New Zealander Rennie before his tenure officially begins.
“Eddie messaged me, and I’m going to chat to Eddie, which will be good as well. I’ve flipped the lens, trying to exploit weaknesses but also to see the best of who we can be,” Schmidt explained, acknowledging the need for a fresh perspective.
“I’ve had a number of conversations with Dave Rennie, so that was great. Eddie messaged me, and I’m going to chat to Eddie, which will be good as well.
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“I’m coming across here and I’ve flipped the lens as best I can, from trying to exploit their weaknesses I can see having coached with the All Blacks for the last 18 months, but also trying to see what’s the best of who we can be.”
Additionally, Schmidt revealed discussions with Hooper, a key player overlooked by Jones in the World Cup. Hooper, now committed to the global sevens series, shared insights on players’ mindsets.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for him, and just chatting to him about the mindset at the moment of players. There’s a real keenness [from players] to get back into it,” Schmidt affirmed, highlighting the players’ motivation to move past the disappointing World Cup campaign.
Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
