'Coaches are too scared': How Wayne Smith became a Test rugby 'exception'
Rugby guru Wayne Smith is a generational coaching talent, and the 65-year-old will undoubtedly go down in history as an all-time great following multiple World Cup triumphs.
The man known by many as ‘The Professor’ reached rugby immortality during history-making stints with the All Blacks, as they crowned world champions twice in four years.
But his genius reached new heights last month, as he led the Black Ferns to seemingly unlikely world cup title on home soil.
Smith, who was named World Rugby’s Coach of the Year, revolutionised the Black Ferns’ attacking gameplan with a unique approach to the sport.
For quite a few years now, international rugby teams have adopted the philosophy that you’re better off playing without the ball.
But not the Black Ferns.
New Zealand ran the ball from anywhere and everywhere, and weren’t afraid to play to their strengths even if it went against the status quo.
Well, the thought-provoking approach to the 15-player game could change the way other nations play in the years to come.
Former British and Irish Lions star Jeremy Guscott believes Eddie Jones’ successor must consider the “art of the attack”, as offensive minded coaches have become less influential in years gone by – but there’s “one glaring exception.”
“One glaring exception is Wayne Smith, but the New Zealander is in a bracket of his own because, as well as being a great attack coach, he is also a great all-rounder,” Guscott told The Rugby Paper.
“It’s my belief that the art of the attack in the 15-man game has to be rediscovered.
“It is almost as if attack has been downgraded rather than elevated, and many of the coaches are too scared to speak out.
“England need attack coaches, who can educate and enthuse players to attack.
“Wayne Smith is definitely one of those, as he showed by transforming the New Zealand women’s team that has just won another world title.”
Leicester Tigers coach Steve Borthwick is expected to be named as Eddie Jones’ replacement in the coming days by the Rugby Football Union.
Borthwick has been heavily linked with England’s top job since Jones was sensationally axed by the RFU.
Six-time Super Rugby champion Scott Robertson had reportedly met with the RFU in the past, but has missed out on his first coaching gig in Test rugby.
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I still see nothing in Sotutus play that hes changed his upright running style that failed so many times against decent international defences like the french. Other than that… Iose? Well you have covered his limitations well. If Sititi had been playing the the season… Jacobson? Grace?…Neither shout pick me. So Ardie it is.
Go to commentsThere isn’t one element you mentioned there that every top class or successful team gets up to. The great All blacks sides used to play on the ‘fringes or edge’ but it was essentially saying they were doing something illegal or borderline to gain dominance. The fine margins at the top are minute between the top sides. La Rochelle, the crusaders, Saracens, Toulon etc etc…..have all been accused. Get over it, the comment comes across as salty and naive. Northampton as well as they played to get back into the match were thoroughly beaten and controlled for 60 minutes and Leinster have only themselves to blame for kicking it away and hence losing control of the match and being nearly the architects of their own downfall.
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