Joe Schmidt's addition as All Blacks assistant coach has received plenty of plaudits, but what does he bring to the All Blacks attack? Liam Napier analyses Schmidt's style.
Low risk
During his largely successful decade with Leinster and Ireland, Schmidt's attack was increasingly characterised by low-risk ball retention. That sellshim somewhat short, as Schmidt also demands a laser focus on the simple catch-pass skills performed to perfection.
All Blacks centurion Aaron Smith offered this insight: "Joe sees the game differently. He sees things that only Joe sees. He reminds me a lot of Wayne Smith in terms of his intensity and level of detail," Smith said. "If you don't know your homework he calls you out pretty quick. He brings that without having to say too much either."
Schmidt's teams traditionally make minimal offloads, minimal mistakes. The blueprint centres on patiently building pressure through often incremental gains, protecting the ball and frustrating the opposition into defensive mistakes or penalties. In many ways this conservative, structured style is the antithesis to New Zealand rugby's embedded flair.
Assistant coach Joe Schmidt during New Zealand rugby squad training at Eden Park in Auckland. Photo / Photosport.co.nz
Change of structure
Last week was our first glimpse at the Schmidt-led All Blacks attack. It featured a 1-3-3-1 shape – effectively stationing two forward pods in the centre of the park with playmakers often in the boot - while seeking to attack both sides of the field by splitting the backline.
Wingers were given a licence to roam, and there was a notable effort to accelerate/fight through contact. When the All Blacks got it right, they made metres but their lack of breakdown speed and discipline didn't allow pressure to be maintained. In the final quarter the ball retention model backfired, with the Pumas suffocating the All Blacks as the lack of kicking variety was exposed.
The All Blacks huddle during the New Zealand All Blacks Captain's Run at Orangetheory Stadium. Photo / Photosport.co.nz
Breakdown
As well as taking charge of the attack, All Blacks captain Sam Cane noted another area Schmidt is keen to immediately amend. "A lot of the intent at the breakdown was pretty sharp but it's another clear focus this week for sure," Cane said. "And Joe Schmidt is driving that pretty hard."
Set moves
Whether it be from set piece or phase play Schmidt is noted for devising creative moves. As Ireland coach he exposed the All Blacks in Dublin on one occasion with a lineout switch move down the short side. Using the inside ball to a winger hitting the line at pace is another favoured option that often catches tiring ruck defenders napping.
