WAYNE S MITH

In three words

Charismatic. Wise. Respected.

Playing CV

A fly-half (or first five-eighth as they call it in New Zealand) known for his guile with Canterbury. His kicking vision and fast hands came to the fore in what was a special time for the South Island side. He played 17 Tests for the All Blacks, winning 11 of those, including two matches against the Lions in 1983.

Coaching background

Popular with players and coaches alike, Smith is credited with transforming the All Blacks attack as an assistant to Graham Henry. Before that, he won two Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders, in 1998 and 1999. He even had a short stint as NZ boss (2000-01). He also had coaching spells with Northampton Saints and Kobelco Steelers, but assisting two World Cup wins solidified his legend.

What he’s known for

His desire to keep evolving and strengthening abilities is adored. He’s also considered an attacking mandarin, but in 2017 Smith told TheGuardian: “Creativity is just practice that’s camouflaged. It comes from hard work.”

Who’s on his team

Wes Clarke is one assistant, while Whitney Hansen joined the group in 2020 as a World Rugby intern and was promoted to forwards coach earlier this year. Also supporting in the build-up has been Smith’s former boss, Graham ‘Ted’ Henry, and long-time All Blacks scrum guru Mike Cron.

Biggest achievement

Serving with the All Blacks in 2011’s World Cup win, assisting Dave Rennie’s Chiefs to two Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013, and then helping the All Blacks lift the Webb Ellis trophy again in 2015? That is a crazy run.