Smith’s exit str r
The departing All Blacks assistant coach insists that his exit will help the e
AS always, Wayne Smith is thinking about others. The door hasn’t even hit the departing All Blacks coaching genius on the backside yet, and here he is positively oozing enthusiasm over the opportunity for a rising young rugby mind about to hit career paydirt.
The next Wayne Smith isn’t even in place yet, and the old one is rubbing his hands in anticipation at the prospect.
Amid the reflection and reminiscing of one of the great All Black careers coming to a close, the departing assistant coach understands too well the chance that is about to present for the next generation of his profession.
Smith has been that guy. He has taken those tentative early steps. He understands the potential journey that could be about to unfold.
The All Blacks assistant coach, and tactical genius, announced on Friday that the conclusion of the Rugby Championship would end his 20-year association with the team he treasures above all others. He will mentor his successor through the four-nation competition, then step aside and allow the new rose to bloom.
‘‘I’m convinced that this is right for me and my family, but also it’s going to be good for the All Blacks,’’ says the now 60-year-old who played five years (17 tests) and coached 15 with New Zealand’s iconic rugby side. ‘‘We’ve been together a long time this management team, and we’ve probably lost a generation of coaches out of the country. There’s another young generation coming through who are outstanding.
‘‘This will give someone else an opportunity to come in, and be fresh to the environment. They’ll change a few things, and they’ll keep some things going, but whatever happens it will be exhilarating.’’
New Zealand, without doubt, produces the finest rugby coaching minds on the planet, but the road to the All Blacks is a long and winding one that often bypasses the destination.
Adds Smith: ‘‘There are clear pathways but they’re not easy to get on. This will ignite some people and provide a real opportunity. I think it will be good for the All Blacks.’’
Smith is asked about the legacy he leaves as he finally gets set to step away from his beloved All Blacks. His answer, really, says it all.
‘‘If I look back on my playing days I was always pretty pragmatic. I loved the game but I knew I wasn’t going to be a great. I realised early it doesn’t stop you being part of a great team, and that you can contribute.
‘‘That became my focus. I was 76kg, I was fit, I was quick, so I really honed those areas. I became a better kicker. I wanted to make sure my strengths were the best they could be, and then I could contribute something to the team.’’
That attitude never left him as he morphed from a wispy, fleetfooted five-eighth to a master coach with an eye for tactics and ability to talk his players’ language.
‘‘I guess if you’re talking about legacy that would be it,’’ continues Smith. ‘‘You don’t have to be charismatic or a great of the game to contribute to a great team. It’s about team and as long as you give everything you’ve got, that’s often enough.’’
Smith steps away from a coaching relationship with his long-time friend, and sparring partner, Steve Hansen, having forged the finest era the All Blacks have ever had. He concedes those twin World Cup triumphs ‘‘legitimise’’ a lot of what he has done, and then tells a funny story to illustrate the point.
‘‘In that period from 2004-11 I think we won 89 games out of 103, but we were still ratshit until we won the World Cup. It always annoyed me because week after week after week you saw these guys put everything on the line, you’d win Grand Slams or Lions series or Tri-Nations, but in a lot of people’s eyes we were still no good because we hadn’t won a World Cup.
‘‘I remember in 2009 I went to the northern hemisphere to meet with Sonny Bill Williams and Dan Carter. I came into Heathrow and the guy on immigration obviously recognised me and he put his hands round his neck and started making choking noises.
‘‘I said ‘what’s up mate?’ and he goes ‘you guys are chokers’. I told him I couldn’t believe this, that I just wanted to come in for a couple of weeks to see a couple of players. ‘Nah, you’re chokers, mate’. It
It was a tough time. Steve and I were living in Christchurch and Robbie [Deans] was the favourite son and he had great credentials to take over. I didn’t think we’d get the job again. WAYNE SMITH
made a real impression on me.’’
Smith can talk all day and half the night about the great moments of his time with the All Blacks.
But he also understands the importance of the not so happy junctures.
Like when his short stint as head coach came to a premature end in 2001.
‘‘Just the enormity of the job in those days was what struck me. It