Liam Napier: Do not neglect Joe Schmidt as the All Blacks head coach for the moment

COMMENT

The moment of fall of Joe Schmidt's microphone seems typical of such a wise operator. He can not be ruled out for the moment of the picture of coaches All Blacks.

A few hours after Ireland swept the World Rugby trophies, claiming coach, team and player of the year, Schmidt surprised everyone by announcing that he would "finish directing" after the World Cup.

After eight years in Ireland, including 11 coaches in Europe, Schmidt is expected to confirm his return to New Zealand after the tournament next year in Japan.

The final part of the training that no one has seen coming.

The scripted decision of Schmidt came via a press release, leaving no room for further interrogation or clarification. Taken for reading, he plans to retire and spend more time with his wife, Kellie, and their four children.

[[[[Joe Schmidt – The Creative Kiwis Brain Behind Ireland's Victory]

At this point, it is important to recognize that Schmidt's son, Luke, has a brain tumor since the age of four and is suffering from epilepsy. Its intention to "give priority to family commitments" can not be ruled out.

The value he has attached to staying close to London-based world-class neurological care is one of the main reasons why Schmidt has refused several approaches to New Zealand rugby to return home. The last opportunity would be to replace Wayne Smith last year, before signing again with Ireland.

Schmidt is also an avowed workaholic, and the job of any international head coach is an overwhelming and pressurized bubble.

However, what Schmidt did not announce is that he remains in a privileged position to sit idly by and watch the falling cards.

In a brief statement, he tried to eliminate all speculation about the All Blacks.

The coach of Ireland, Andy Farrell, the English defense coach, having succeeded the 2023 World Cup, the IRFU declaration also tried to dispel the distractions of the team before the World Cup.

But if Steve Hansen were to announce his name next month, he will also leave his post after the World Cup. Needless to say, the leaders of the NZR will certainly approach Schmidt about challenging the role. Not doing it would be careless.

Of course, if that happens, the competition will be fierce. Ian Foster, Hansen's trusted assistant, represents the argument for continuity, while Jamie Joseph, Scott Robertson, Vern Cotter, Warren Gatland and Dave Rennie could argue.

As an outspoken New Zealander, it is unlikely that Schmidt will ever avoid the high-level post.

[[[[Why everyone wants Joe Schmidt]

If he did not want to settle for anything and for whatever reason he missed out, Schmidt could then opt for a break, perhaps positioning himself to lead the British and Irish Lions on their tour of Africa. South in 2021.

The window between the World Cup and the Lions would provide enough space to cool off. And the role of the Lions, which now includes five weeks and six matches, does not require the same commitment or time spent outside the family compared to other Level 1 positions.

Success brings a myriad of options and a strong bargaining power.

To leave definitely the training after the World Cup seems very improbable.

Schmidt has improved the Irish professional win rate by 20%, to 74 since taking office in 2013, from eighth to second worldwide.

The former high school principal, sometimes referred to as "Mr. Miyagi 'rugby, will leave a legacy of its kind in the island of Emerald.

His record includes a grand slam, the third in Irish history, three Six Nations crowns, 12 home wins, new European Champions League titles with Leinster and two wins on All Blacks – first and first at home two weeks ago Dublin.

The elusive grand prix of this 53-year-old man is the World Cup, which has bombarded the last quarter-finals, which leaves him much to prove in this regard next year.

Before going too far on the hypothetical path of the next coach of the All Blacks and we sink into a weekly frenzy, it must be said that any appointment will not happen overnight – not before the World Cup.

Anxious to apply the brakes before leaving Rome after the All Blacks' latest year test, NZR executive director Steve Tew reiterated the plans of the governing body.

Tew also insisted that the discussion had to pass not only from the one who was the best candidate to the one who could form the best management team.

It was, after all, the determining factor that led to the renewal of Graham Henry's tenure, alongside Hansen and Smith, in place of Robbie Deans after the 2007 World Cup deadline.

"First and foremost, you have to respect Steve's right to make his own decision and in his day, which we will clearly do," Tew said.

"If we're looking for a coach, we want to give ourselves the best chance of finding the right group of coaches, because it's not one person I'm sure Steve will be very quick to explain.

"Next, we want to make sure we get to a World Cup without distraction or interruption, which is why we said a while ago that we would be looking at the Rugby World Cup campaign. look for a coach, and we will go through this post-World Cup. "

In the pile of cards, Schmidt's statement only made him go from ace to a wild card.