How will Schmidt's Head Coach decision impact on Ireland?

First topic message reminder :

Joe Schmidt has said he will announce his decision about whether he will go or stay with Irish Rugby on Monday 26 Nov following the completion of the November tests.

Lots of media speculation thinks that he will say he is leaving and the obvious destination is New Zealand where he is considered a likely successor to Steve Hansen.  Hansen has said that he will make an announcement about his future before Christmas and clearly Schmidt's announcement will put the spotlight on him.   One assumes that all the relevant parties and unions know what is happening already and the various announcements are being choreographed accordingly.  

If Hansen and Schmidt were staying put then it would be straightforward enough to issue releases on the same day and everybody moves on quite quickly.
If Schmidt is leaving and putting himself in the frame for the top job in NZ then he can't say anything about what he's going to do to allow NZRU to choreograph announcement of Hansen's departure and his successor so other NZ coach hopefuls are not put out.
If Schmidt is staying and Hansen is leaving, with another successor to be appointed like Warren Gatland, then it makes sense to keep the two announcements apart.

There has been a procession of Irish players speaking out to media in recent weeks lauding Schmidt and what he's achieved and expressing hope that he stays.   It raises the question that if Schmidt announces he's leaving how might this impact on morale for the team in the run-up to the RWC?  Will it make them more determined to deliver for him, or will it undermine some of the wider squad players who may see their future lies with someone else?

Taylorman wrote:Maitland is  

Well that would be a first ever win but in Japan? I doubt it. Id be more concerned about them at home vs Ireland at 6N time and Ireland vs SA innJapan, two far more likely ‘upsets’ though SA beating Ireland in a world cup will never be an upset for me. Id expect it.
Agree on Retallicks try, a pity award like Sextons, we do that sort of thing all the time. Whitelocks 50m try for the Crusaders a few years ago was better.

RWC expectations for NZ - choke or win. Be interesting to see if they throw the SA game for tactical 1/4

Well aparently its normal practice for Hanson to lose on purpose.

Pie wrote:Ah I see so to be clear Sexton one because NZ were shoite.

Would you say this has been Sextons best test year ever? He played well but I've seen him play better from memory.

World Rugby should consider calling their annual bash, the Pity of the Test Year awards, (POTTY for short - daft and full of 5h1te).
If they're awarded out of pity, New Zealanders must have more self-esteem problems than any other nation, so should the awards be fondly refereed to as the Sooky-bubbas?

Taylorman wrote:

Pie wrote:Ah I see so to be clear Sexton one because NZ were shoite.

Would you say this has been Sextons best test year ever? He played well but I've seen him play better from memory.

I actually agree with that, I don't really recall many games where he's been the stand out player on the pitch or totally dominating games.

That said he's had some big moments, most notably in the finish to the French game and had a real consistency over the season. He's stayed relatively fit and been a key player in very successful seasons for Leinster and Ireland.

It will be interesting to see how long he can maintain it, all of a sudden there are some real options at fly half - Carty, Burns and Hanaran have a all stepped up a few levels recently to give depth behind Byrne and Carbury.

Post RWC Sexton may not be so far ahead of the pack, as he is now.

Merry Christmas Rodders and all.

Collapse2005 wrote:Merry Christmas Rodders and all.

And a happy new year!