There won’t be a rugby figure on either side of the ditch as excited as Dave Rennie.
After three fruitless years potting for gold in Australia, Rennie is back in New Zealand where there are gold nuggets everywhere.
Unlike in Australia, where he spent three years trying to develop players and finished with a 38 per cent win rate, Rennie will get to pick from the best of the best in one of the richest gold mines on the globe.
It’s a luxury he didn’t have when he was in Australia, where he was forced to start Super Rugby rookie Noah Lolesio at fly-half against the All Blacks.
Lolesio was just one of a handful of players who came in well before they were ready, but it was a case of desperate times equal desperate measures.
While the Wallabies still have a talent and identity issue, Rennie doesn’t.
His biggest issue will be selection.
As Joe Schmidt sweats on Len Ikitau taking a flight home quickly from England after the PREM Rugby final to be ready to take on Ireland, especially in light of Hunter Paisami’s MCL injury, Rennie‘s biggest issue will be whether he picks Quinn Tupaea at inside or outside centre.
He might even opt for him to come off the bench if he wants to run a Hurricanes heavy backline featuring Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor.
Tupaea could even be injected off the bench alongside his Chiefs teammate Damian McKenzie.
Then there’s the looming crunch call to be made on Beauden Barrett.
The two-time World Rugby Player of the Year might be selected for the July Tests, but when Richie Mo’unga is available, is Rennie really going to have space for Barrett when Love is the hottest young playmaking talent in New Zealand rugby and McKenzie, whose pace and fearlessness still makes him a dangerous proposition for opposition defences?
But the fact Barrett’s spot is in danger tells you everything you need to know about the depth Rennie has at his disposal now.
In contrast, Schmidt is set to pick Declan Meredith as the Wallabies’ third playmaker despite struggling the longer Super Rugby went.
The stark difference between the depth of the two nations is just as obvious up front, especially in the tight-five.
From Samisoni Taukei’aho to Asafo Aumua and Codie Taylor, Rennie has three world class hookers and, importantly, they’re all in form.
Indeed, Taukei’aho’s form and potency is to be admired, while Aumua’s lineout has improved. Then, of course, there’s his incredible power and pace in general play as the hooker stormed through Stephen Perofeta like Jonah Lomu once did to Mike Catt.
The list and depth goes on and on, and it’s not gone unnoticed by Australian rugby figures, several of whom coached alongside the New Zealand coach during his time with the Wallabies, who believe Rennie’s All Blacks are favourites to win the World Cup next year under the new coach’s watch.
Wallaby’s days in gold over
Lalakai Foketi might be the only Australian left standing in Super Rugby, but despite his starring role in the Chiefs’ demolition of the Crusaders, the classy midfielder won’t be in the Wallabies’ picture later this week when Schmidt reads out his squad for the July Tests.
That comes despite the Wallabies short of quality and depth at inside centre, with Ikitau no certainty to take on Ireland and Paisami out of the Test too.
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While Foketi is caught up in some legal action against Rugby Australia following his departure from the Waratahs late last year, the 31-year-old never got a look-in under Schmidt.
It comes despite Foketi having a strong few matches in gold under Rennie in 2022, where the midfielder featured against the All Blacks in their late and controversial defeat in Melbourne.
Months later he finished off Australian rugby’s try of the year as he dived under the sticks at the Stade de France in their November epic.
Even Eddie Jones viewed Foketi favourably, where the maligned coach picked him for the 2023 World Cup.
Foketi didn’t necessarily stand out in recent years, but he once again showed his soft hands and ability during the big win over the Crusaders as he threw the final pass in three first half tries.
It was quite a statement, having clipped Australian rugby on the way out.
Schmidt’s nervous wait
After a three-day camp in Sydney this week, Schmidt will name his squad on Friday morning at Allianz Stadium.
In it, it’s expected he will name a squad of around 36 players and include four players who have played overseas over the past 12 months.
While Angus Bell has enjoyed a holiday after a strong stint at Ulster, three other regulars – Exeter’s Tom Hooper and Ikitau, as well as Racing 92’s Taniela Tupou – who are expected to be selected have finals this weekend. Tupou’s Parisian-based outfit could even have another week to play should they topple Toulouse.
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Despite the Leinster-heavy Irish side also playing their United Rugby Championship final this weekend, the deep runs for the Australians, who have been playing consistently for 18 months, have clouded the selection picture for the first Test.
Given their importance to the Wallabies, it’s no surprise officials spent time on the phones over the past 48 hours trying to work out plane times to catch.
Bolters in line for call-up
A brilliant opening to Super Rugby from Meredith this year is expected to be enough to see the 26-year-old picked for Schmidt’s first Test squad.
With Tom Lynagh still making his way back from a calf injury, Tane Edmed dropped and Lolesio not in the picture since signing with a second division Japanese outfit, Schmidt is set to name the Brumbies No.10 as one of his three playmakers in his squad.
He isn’t the only bolter in the mix either, with Meredith’s Brumbies teammates Rory Scott and Lachie Shaw firmly in the mix, too.
Rising tighthead prop Massimo de Lutiis is also facing a challenge with Zane Nonggorr for the third tighthead spot.
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The other spot up for grabs is likely to be in the midfield, with Isaac Henry and David Feliuai battling it out to fill the void left by Paisami.
Schmidt’s latest role raises eyebrows
There’s no doubt Schmidt is a revered figure in the coaching ranks, but the decision to keep him on Australia’s books beyond his stint with the Wallabies has raised eyebrows.
Most thought Schmidt would stay in some capacity, but the question many were asking following last week’s announcement that he would join Australia A left several figures scratching their heads.
With Mike Cron already transitioning from the coaching ranks to a “consulting” role, Schmidt and fellow Wallabies assistant Laurie Fisher are expected to also take up similar positions with Rugby Australia.
But at what financial cost?
And what exactly will Schmidt do with Australia A?
After all, Schmidt, who is based in New Zealand, has long spoken about the fact he can only give so much because of his family commitments.
That date, however, continues to be extended. But is it a good thing?
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