1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,427 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:15,867 Speaker 1: from Newstalk SEDB, Jorgansen, Max Jorvison, Max Jargison. 3 00:00:16,147 --> 00:00:17,347 Speaker 2: No, they didn't. 4 00:00:17,507 --> 00:00:18,747 Speaker 3: Oh my goodness me. 5 00:00:19,467 --> 00:00:24,747 Speaker 2: Oh, it's unbelievable. It's one of the greatest moments in 6 00:00:24,867 --> 00:00:29,387 Speaker 2: Wallaby's history and it belongs to Jorganson. 7 00:00:31,347 --> 00:00:32,947 Speaker 1: They have stunned England. 8 00:00:33,427 --> 00:00:36,227 Speaker 2: The highlights of last year for the Wallabies was the 9 00:00:36,267 --> 00:00:39,667 Speaker 2: win over England at Twickenham. Joe Shmitt, it has been 10 00:00:39,707 --> 00:00:42,827 Speaker 2: announced this week, will step down as Wallaby's coach at 11 00:00:42,867 --> 00:00:45,867 Speaker 2: the end of the Rugby Championship Now. He was initially 12 00:00:45,907 --> 00:00:49,387 Speaker 2: contracted until the end of the mid year Lions tour, 13 00:00:49,747 --> 00:00:53,907 Speaker 2: but has opted to extend by three months. In a statement, 14 00:00:53,987 --> 00:00:57,667 Speaker 2: Joshmitt outlined the importance of spending time with his family, 15 00:00:57,707 --> 00:01:00,667 Speaker 2: who have remained here in New Zealand. So his last 16 00:01:00,667 --> 00:01:03,187 Speaker 2: game in charge will be on the fourth of October 17 00:01:03,227 --> 00:01:06,587 Speaker 2: against the All Blacks in Perth. Let's bring in Wima 18 00:01:06,587 --> 00:01:10,547 Speaker 2: Wallaby's coach John Connolly, who took over the team in 19 00:01:10,587 --> 00:01:12,947 Speaker 2: two thousand and six and took them through to the 20 00:01:12,987 --> 00:01:15,947 Speaker 2: two thousand and seven Rugby World Cup. Firstly, John, that 21 00:01:16,027 --> 00:01:19,027 Speaker 2: good afternoon we're surprised when you heard this news that 22 00:01:19,147 --> 00:01:22,547 Speaker 2: Joe Schmidt will step away after the Rugby Championship this year. 23 00:01:24,347 --> 00:01:27,507 Speaker 3: Well, I probably didn't expect anything, but we always knew 24 00:01:27,507 --> 00:01:30,787 Speaker 3: that was on the cards and I think you heard 25 00:01:30,787 --> 00:01:34,347 Speaker 3: the Australian wun were aware that was a likelihood and 26 00:01:34,427 --> 00:01:38,347 Speaker 3: they've got some plans in place to replace him. But 27 00:01:38,907 --> 00:01:42,987 Speaker 3: on the surface, it doesn't appear to be any standout 28 00:01:44,387 --> 00:01:47,187 Speaker 3: stands out Kendad, so it'll be interesting where they go 29 00:01:47,267 --> 00:01:47,827 Speaker 3: to from here. 30 00:01:47,987 --> 00:01:50,067 Speaker 2: Yeah, I want to get to the candidates in a minute, 31 00:01:50,107 --> 00:01:52,867 Speaker 2: but do you think do you think when they hired 32 00:01:52,947 --> 00:01:56,187 Speaker 2: Joe Schmitt, Rugby Australia thought maybe they'd be able to 33 00:01:56,227 --> 00:01:58,467 Speaker 2: convince him to stay on, that he'd love it so 34 00:01:58,547 --> 00:01:59,387 Speaker 2: much that he'd stay. 35 00:02:00,307 --> 00:02:02,547 Speaker 3: Yeah, I think the obviously it's a good the case 36 00:02:03,067 --> 00:02:05,867 Speaker 3: and he was happy to get on board. They'd have 37 00:02:06,027 --> 00:02:10,787 Speaker 3: you out line's press statement, dare me priority and we 38 00:02:10,827 --> 00:02:14,227 Speaker 3: all understand that he left island for the same reasons. 39 00:02:14,507 --> 00:02:18,387 Speaker 3: Put his toe back in the water here and I 40 00:02:18,427 --> 00:02:20,787 Speaker 3: think it's very keen to get back to New Zealand, 41 00:02:21,307 --> 00:02:22,747 Speaker 3: which I understand. 42 00:02:22,547 --> 00:02:26,027 Speaker 2: Indeed, So whoever takes over, we'll have two years in 43 00:02:26,147 --> 00:02:30,587 Speaker 2: charge before the twenty twenty seven Rugby World Cup in Australia. 44 00:02:30,707 --> 00:02:31,747 Speaker 2: Is that long enough? 45 00:02:32,787 --> 00:02:35,227 Speaker 3: I think so. It's a fairly stayed or team at 46 00:02:35,267 --> 00:02:40,067 Speaker 3: the moment. I mean they're thereabout were still only we 47 00:02:40,187 --> 00:02:42,867 Speaker 3: won lesson to say our games this year. Then we 48 00:02:42,947 --> 00:02:46,107 Speaker 3: can see a distinct improvement from the Envie Jones years. 49 00:02:47,027 --> 00:02:50,747 Speaker 3: Distinct improvement and I hoping they would build on that. Yes, 50 00:02:50,827 --> 00:02:53,187 Speaker 3: I think the new coach that comes in will probably 51 00:02:53,507 --> 00:02:56,867 Speaker 3: pick up the same players and hopefully they're healthy and 52 00:02:57,107 --> 00:03:00,187 Speaker 3: I'll keep improving. And it's becoming an older side now 53 00:03:00,347 --> 00:03:03,907 Speaker 3: and they've got a fair good of experience, so we're hopeful. 54 00:03:04,227 --> 00:03:06,787 Speaker 2: When you took over Worth even less than two years 55 00:03:06,867 --> 00:03:10,067 Speaker 2: before the two thousand and seven Rugby World Cup, John, 56 00:03:10,267 --> 00:03:13,987 Speaker 2: where did you place your focus in a truncated time 57 00:03:14,027 --> 00:03:14,627 Speaker 2: frame like that. 58 00:03:15,427 --> 00:03:18,867 Speaker 3: Well, the first thing you look at is teams that 59 00:03:18,907 --> 00:03:21,387 Speaker 3: have been successful in World Cups. I've had a lot 60 00:03:21,427 --> 00:03:24,587 Speaker 3: of experienced the team work together. We never had that 61 00:03:24,587 --> 00:03:27,227 Speaker 3: with when I took other We had seven or eight 62 00:03:27,267 --> 00:03:30,507 Speaker 3: or nine very experienced players, the mortlock S, the Ghetto's, 63 00:03:30,827 --> 00:03:33,867 Speaker 3: the Dicaments and sharps, and we also had a real 64 00:03:33,987 --> 00:03:38,867 Speaker 3: gap from the inexperienced players, and you know, it's such 65 00:03:38,867 --> 00:03:43,707 Speaker 3: a huge occasion, it can be very over bearing on 66 00:03:43,787 --> 00:03:46,547 Speaker 3: some young players and we found that towards the end. 67 00:03:46,587 --> 00:03:49,147 Speaker 3: I thought, we've got through our quarter final, kicked the 68 00:03:49,227 --> 00:03:51,467 Speaker 3: goal at the end of the sting you may well 69 00:03:51,507 --> 00:03:55,387 Speaker 3: have gone all the way, but especially that New Zealand 70 00:03:55,387 --> 00:03:58,387 Speaker 3: have been knocked out, which made a bit easier for 71 00:03:58,427 --> 00:04:01,907 Speaker 3: blood everyone. But I mean, yeah, I think thee of 72 00:04:01,907 --> 00:04:06,787 Speaker 3: the steps in will we take you over an experience side, 73 00:04:07,307 --> 00:04:12,147 Speaker 3: a fairly happy, happy side. Joe had a couple of years. 74 00:04:12,667 --> 00:04:15,507 Speaker 3: Ben is it down very nicely people that come in. 75 00:04:15,587 --> 00:04:18,307 Speaker 3: But I said, I just said, do you hear the text? 76 00:04:18,627 --> 00:04:20,787 Speaker 3: Your next step is the big one. He's going to 77 00:04:20,827 --> 00:04:25,787 Speaker 3: take over, so they'll be they'll be in that process 78 00:04:25,827 --> 00:04:28,187 Speaker 3: now there's no huge hoarring, but they have to get 79 00:04:28,227 --> 00:04:32,187 Speaker 3: it right. They really have to get it right. 80 00:04:32,867 --> 00:04:33,907 Speaker 2: All right, let's get to that. 81 00:04:33,947 --> 00:04:34,107 Speaker 3: Then. 82 00:04:34,467 --> 00:04:36,587 Speaker 2: I presume he hasn't texted you back, and even if 83 00:04:36,587 --> 00:04:38,667 Speaker 2: he has, you probably wouldn't tell us what he said. 84 00:04:38,667 --> 00:04:42,427 Speaker 2: But in your mind, are the strongest candidates to take 85 00:04:42,467 --> 00:04:44,387 Speaker 2: over from Joe Schmid at the back end of the 86 00:04:44,427 --> 00:04:45,987 Speaker 2: Rugby Championship. 87 00:04:45,947 --> 00:04:50,547 Speaker 3: Well, there's no standout. I mean the poor super rugby 88 00:04:50,587 --> 00:04:55,147 Speaker 3: coaches here, unless Kiss maybe hasn't got a huge amount 89 00:04:55,187 --> 00:04:58,867 Speaker 3: of runs on the board. With a Wild's coach struggle 90 00:04:58,987 --> 00:05:02,867 Speaker 3: with Leicester big time last year, We'll see how he 91 00:05:02,907 --> 00:05:07,427 Speaker 3: goes with you. So Whales Steve a Arkham will be mentioned, 92 00:05:08,347 --> 00:05:12,547 Speaker 3: but there's no standing at canidate whatsoever and what the 93 00:05:12,587 --> 00:05:16,027 Speaker 3: structure his coach team look at. Joe Smith came into 94 00:05:16,067 --> 00:05:19,187 Speaker 3: it when his age was he was an experienced international 95 00:05:19,267 --> 00:05:23,787 Speaker 3: coach and that is a real advantage at the moment. 96 00:05:23,867 --> 00:05:26,507 Speaker 3: Whoever steps up, they won't go back to Michael Checker, 97 00:05:27,827 --> 00:05:31,027 Speaker 3: would be no chance, I believe or not. The plan 98 00:05:31,147 --> 00:05:33,427 Speaker 3: that person I feel sorry for that still goes to 99 00:05:33,467 --> 00:05:36,667 Speaker 3: play is David Greeny. I thought he was treated very 100 00:05:36,667 --> 00:05:41,707 Speaker 3: badly and he had a lot of injuries put up with. 101 00:05:42,107 --> 00:05:44,987 Speaker 3: I don't know if he ever come back and went 102 00:05:45,147 --> 00:05:46,707 Speaker 3: very close to the All Blacks and a couple of 103 00:05:46,787 --> 00:05:52,307 Speaker 3: game one point beaten by France opened the conversation there 104 00:05:53,187 --> 00:05:56,747 Speaker 3: In New Zealand, Jamie Joseph, someone who I've never met, 105 00:05:57,107 --> 00:06:00,507 Speaker 3: I've always thought I really rate his teams very highly. 106 00:06:00,987 --> 00:06:06,347 Speaker 3: They would be the two outside Australia and I wouldn't 107 00:06:06,507 --> 00:06:11,867 Speaker 3: think the Ryan o'garaz would have any chance, but someone 108 00:06:11,947 --> 00:06:15,347 Speaker 3: with a lot of experience is important. I Renny and 109 00:06:15,467 --> 00:06:22,387 Speaker 3: Joseph definitely ticked those boxes. We're in Australia. I'm just 110 00:06:22,507 --> 00:06:25,427 Speaker 3: not sure none of them have got any great forwards board. 111 00:06:26,267 --> 00:06:28,507 Speaker 2: As you said then, John, they wouldn't go back to 112 00:06:28,547 --> 00:06:30,067 Speaker 2: Michael Checker. Why is that? 113 00:06:31,307 --> 00:06:35,267 Speaker 3: Yeah, I think the terms when he left weren't. You know, 114 00:06:35,267 --> 00:06:39,787 Speaker 3: it wasn't a happy separation, but luqually check likes to 115 00:06:39,827 --> 00:06:42,947 Speaker 3: do things his way and I think in terms of 116 00:06:42,987 --> 00:06:49,067 Speaker 3: selections and selection party assistant coaches. Yeah, I just I 117 00:06:49,067 --> 00:06:52,067 Speaker 3: would be very surprised. I let background that room. I mean, 118 00:06:52,427 --> 00:06:57,747 Speaker 3: I know that sounds funny where you suggested ready maybe possibility, 119 00:06:59,067 --> 00:07:02,067 Speaker 3: but I'd be surprised they looked to have the Bichael 120 00:07:02,147 --> 00:07:03,387 Speaker 3: check Yeah. 121 00:07:03,387 --> 00:07:05,107 Speaker 2: That was a very different parting of the ways, wasn't 122 00:07:05,107 --> 00:07:07,587 Speaker 2: it with Dave? And I think you're right. I think 123 00:07:07,627 --> 00:07:09,707 Speaker 2: even over on the side of the Tasman John, we 124 00:07:09,747 --> 00:07:12,307 Speaker 2: all we all sort of scratched our heads a bit 125 00:07:12,427 --> 00:07:15,627 Speaker 2: about the removal of Dave Rennie and the and the 126 00:07:15,627 --> 00:07:17,547 Speaker 2: the incoming Eddie Jones and we all know how that 127 00:07:17,587 --> 00:07:21,027 Speaker 2: worked out. Would Dave Rennie entertain a conversation with Daniel 128 00:07:21,027 --> 00:07:23,067 Speaker 2: Herbert about about coming back. 129 00:07:22,947 --> 00:07:26,227 Speaker 3: In I don't know. I would hope he would. A 130 00:07:26,227 --> 00:07:28,987 Speaker 3: lot of a lot of Australians are really disappointed how 131 00:07:29,067 --> 00:07:31,787 Speaker 3: that happened, and I'm on record when they pointed early 132 00:07:32,027 --> 00:07:34,227 Speaker 3: it was going to be a disaster for day one 133 00:07:34,747 --> 00:07:38,267 Speaker 3: and David had to overcome a lot of difficulties aside 134 00:07:38,267 --> 00:07:41,747 Speaker 3: that was struggling a bit tremendous, a lot of injuries 135 00:07:42,227 --> 00:07:44,507 Speaker 3: and he did a pretty good job and was very 136 00:07:44,547 --> 00:07:47,707 Speaker 3: popular in the player. So I would. I would definitely 137 00:07:47,987 --> 00:07:50,507 Speaker 3: if I was going Australian Roubia, I picked up the phone, 138 00:07:51,067 --> 00:07:53,827 Speaker 3: I would, and I'd pick up the phone to Jamie Jaseph. 139 00:07:55,747 --> 00:07:59,227 Speaker 3: That's only me personally. I don't think there's any other 140 00:07:59,787 --> 00:08:03,067 Speaker 3: overseas people that had the runs on the board that 141 00:08:03,187 --> 00:08:07,627 Speaker 3: you could support and coaching the team. He's not a 142 00:08:07,627 --> 00:08:11,827 Speaker 3: word man job, having the best assistance, the best selection panel, 143 00:08:14,187 --> 00:08:16,227 Speaker 3: and you've got to do your share of work on 144 00:08:16,267 --> 00:08:18,467 Speaker 3: the field as well. We have gone down the road 145 00:08:18,507 --> 00:08:22,187 Speaker 3: at times in Australia the coach didn't do as much 146 00:08:22,187 --> 00:08:24,587 Speaker 3: as you should have done the field. He's more of 147 00:08:24,627 --> 00:08:27,427 Speaker 3: a manager. So the area you have got a lot 148 00:08:27,467 --> 00:08:29,907 Speaker 3: of work to do to get the right person and 149 00:08:30,027 --> 00:08:31,227 Speaker 3: what that structure looks like. 150 00:08:32,187 --> 00:08:34,107 Speaker 2: And just to circle back to Jo Smitt to finish, 151 00:08:34,547 --> 00:08:37,707 Speaker 2: you've you've talked about the way he's coached this side. 152 00:08:37,747 --> 00:08:39,547 Speaker 2: He'll hand a team over at the back end of 153 00:08:39,547 --> 00:08:41,627 Speaker 2: this year. They still a big year of rugby hedge 154 00:08:41,667 --> 00:08:44,147 Speaker 2: on of course, but the Lions tour and the Rugby Championship. 155 00:08:44,147 --> 00:08:47,507 Speaker 2: But do you think they'll have He'll have advanced the 156 00:08:47,547 --> 00:08:49,707 Speaker 2: Wallabies judgment from from what he took over. 157 00:08:51,067 --> 00:08:53,947 Speaker 3: I think so, But on results it may not appear 158 00:08:54,067 --> 00:08:58,587 Speaker 3: so that I think is the team appears to be 159 00:08:58,667 --> 00:09:03,107 Speaker 3: far set, more settled, and there's a betit of elif 160 00:09:03,227 --> 00:09:07,907 Speaker 3: back of Australian rugby and probably disappointment that he's leading. 161 00:09:08,867 --> 00:09:11,427 Speaker 3: So yeah, I think he's done a pretty good job 162 00:09:12,067 --> 00:09:15,627 Speaker 3: and in Australia have got a tremendously the idea, the plan, 163 00:09:15,747 --> 00:09:18,187 Speaker 3: the Lions three times, the all blacks in the spring 164 00:09:18,227 --> 00:09:20,547 Speaker 3: box a couple of times. It doesn't get much harder, 165 00:09:20,587 --> 00:09:26,347 Speaker 3: don't So I'm kind of I wish if possibly had 166 00:09:26,347 --> 00:09:30,067 Speaker 3: stepped aside at the Lions to it after that and 167 00:09:30,107 --> 00:09:32,707 Speaker 3: then someone else came in and did the work and 168 00:09:32,747 --> 00:09:34,027 Speaker 3: then took them on the tour at the end of 169 00:09:34,067 --> 00:09:36,507 Speaker 3: the year. That would have been that. I could also 170 00:09:36,587 --> 00:09:40,347 Speaker 3: understand the other option finished his job here in Australia 171 00:09:40,427 --> 00:09:42,987 Speaker 3: and then the new person comes in and takes over. 172 00:09:43,387 --> 00:09:46,907 Speaker 3: So the transition has to be smooth in selections, it 173 00:09:46,907 --> 00:09:49,507 Speaker 3: has to be smooth and how they're playing the game. 174 00:09:51,107 --> 00:09:53,787 Speaker 3: So he said, the Australia rode the Union. You know, 175 00:09:54,347 --> 00:09:57,587 Speaker 3: the appointment of there, it was a disaster. They've got 176 00:09:57,707 --> 00:10:00,027 Speaker 3: put a lot of thought into who they bring in 177 00:10:00,347 --> 00:10:04,907 Speaker 3: and what type of structure that that looks like, and 178 00:10:04,987 --> 00:10:06,147 Speaker 3: so they've got a bit of work to do. 179 00:10:06,827 --> 00:10:09,267 Speaker 2: You've provided us with some terrific insight, John, Thanks so 180 00:10:09,347 --> 00:10:11,427 Speaker 2: much for joining us. We'll watch with interest from this 181 00:10:11,507 --> 00:10:14,067 Speaker 2: side of the testament, but really appreciate your time this afternoon. 182 00:10:14,467 --> 00:10:17,067 Speaker 2: Right's a pressure, no, thanks for joining us, John, John 183 00:10:17,067 --> 00:10:19,867 Speaker 2: Connelly there knuckles as they used to call them, former 184 00:10:19,907 --> 00:10:22,187 Speaker 2: Wallabies coach talking a lot of scenes as per usual. 185 00:10:23,027 --> 00:10:26,227 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 186 00:10:26,347 --> 00:10:29,627 Speaker 1: to News Talk zed B weekends from midday or follow 187 00:10:29,667 --> 00:10:31,267 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio.