John Mitchell's former Waikato team-mate, Warren Gatland, now the coach of Ireland, said yesterday that he was surprised by the decision to dump Wayne Smith.
"I'm delighted for Mitch - obviously he's a good friend and we've spent a lot of time together - but I am a little bit
surprised," Gatland said. "I thought the All Blacks were playing really good rugby this year."
Mitchell will come up against Gatland in his debut test as coach, against Ireland in Dublin on November 17.
Gatland, the hooker for Waikato when they won the Ranfurly Shield and NPC title under Mitchell's captaincy, joked that it might be too early to predict a Dublin showdown between two old mates.
"That's if I haven't lost my job by then," he said.
Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett also said he was surprised.
Mallett had not thought the NZRFU would be bold enough to change the coach.
He said only minor problems were stopping the All Blacks from beating Australia.
"They were playing very good rugby under Wayne and this year's team was a real young side," he said.
"Hopefully, for New Zealand's sake, the momentum built up this year can continue.
"If they can maintain it, the All Blacks will be hard to beat in the next two seasons."
England coach Clive Woodward congratulated his former assistant.
Asked for comment, Woodward issued a two-sentence statement: "I am delighted that John has accepted this position. I wish him all the best in his new role with the All Blacks."
- NZPA
