Rugby: Schmidt thankful for Irish support

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt. Photo / File

Peter White spoke to Joe Schmidt last Friday about his dramatic first year in charge of Ireland.

Q What has been the biggest challenge taking on the Ireland job?

A The very short windows to prepare the team and to work with the players. We had a total of five pitch sessions and the captain's run prior to the test match against South Africa last week. It certainly challenges the efficiency of the coaching team.

Q The fans are fiercely parochial - how have you been treated and received by the Irish fans?

A I've been lucky to have some really good support from people here in Ireland. I have received the odd bit of advice about selecting players from a particular province or the like, but generally the feedback and support has been really encouraging. I guess that might change if we lose a few games on the trot but it's been good so far.

Q You and Vern Cotter began coaching together with Bay of Plenty in 2003 - now you are both in charge of international teams. What made your partnership work together so well?

A I'm not sure. The players at the time would be good to talk to if you wanted to get a bit of an insight about that because VC and I just worked away and tried to develop a positive team environment. VC made sure players were accountable for their preparation and I learnt a lot from him in that regard. In the end, we got a few results and it built a bit of confidence and the players were incredibly good to work with.

Q How long did it take to get over the last minute loss to the All Blacks and has that result hardened your resolve to be the first Irish coach to beat the All Blacks?

A I suppose the worst thing about the loss is the way it happened and that it was the last game in the Guinness Series last season. That's another big difference in coaching a national team; if you do lose a game you can carry that disappointment for a couple of months before having the opportunity to get back on the pitch. When coaching at club or provincial level the disappointment is gone by Monday because there is the welcome distraction of a new opponent the next weekend to prepare for.

I'm still an All Black fan so it's always good to see them win ... but to lose that one game would have been nice for the people here in Ireland who hold the All Blacks in such high regard.