Scott Robertson expecting feisty Bledisloe with Schmidt at helm for Wallabies
The Wallabies are in good hands with new coach Joe Schmidt, All Blacks mentor Scott Robertson says, and he's expecting Australia to bounce back for the annual Bledisloe Cup battle.
Both nations have replaced their coach since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with Robertson taking over from Ian Foster despite New Zealand falling by just one point in the final against South Africa.
The Wallabies had a horror show in France; failing for the first time to make it out of their pool, with Eddie Jones paying the price for their early exit.
Jones made some wild selection choices while the inexperienced cohort appeared clueless on the field.
New Zealander Schmidt, who was part of the All Blacks coaching set-up in France, was last week announced as Jones's replacement.
Robertson said the veteran coach is the right man at the right time for the Wallabies.
"He's got a great CV - he's a good pair of hands and is experienced so it's good timing for Australia and him," Robertson told Stan Sport on Tuesday while attending the Australian Open.
"There's no outs. You'll know where you need to be on the field and know what the expectations are of you.
"He's a great rugby mind. He'll be clear."
Dates and venues for the two-Test 2024 Bledisloe Cup series - one in Australia and one in New Zealand - are yet to be announced, with the Wallabies looking to break a drought lasting more than 20 years.
Despite the gulf in World Cup performances, former Crusaders title-winning coach Robertson expects Australia to be competitive.
The Wallabies have lost two of their past four Bledisloe Tests by three points or fewer, suffering heartbreak in Melbourne in 2022 after a controversial late call by referee Mathieu Raynal.
"It's been a long time since you held it up, but there's periods in games - a famous moment back here, our French friend ... it can swing quite quickly," Robertson said.
"It comes down to the passion on both sides, it's really clear every time you see it played.
"The importance on the night, it's really critical, doesn't matter what form."
Hooker Dave Porecki, the last Wallabies captain under Jones, has re-committed to Australian rugby until at least the end of 2026.
Already contracted until the end of this year, the 31-year-old will hope to add to his 19 Test caps over two-year extension.
Porecki led the Wallabies in three of their four pool games at the World Cup, replacing injured skipper Will Skelton.
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Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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