Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Joe looks set to go..
Monday we’ll make a decision, I don’t want to muck people around and I’m really conscious to give everyone clarity.
“I’m not any clearer, I’m just incredibly lucky with the IRFU, with the patience they have. I’ve given them an indication, I just need to talk to people tomorrow and make it public early next week.
“It’s really wrecking my head, as I’m sure it is yours.”
While not confirming his decision, he admitted the IRFU have informed him that if “you change your mind, we’d love to continue that conversation”.
He added: “They (the IRFU) have set out a number of scenarios just in case we can sort something out easier.”
Asked if the events of the last month have made his feelings clearer, Schmidt said: “This is never well oiled but it’s a machine – and I’m a small cog in the machine.
“I’m so confident in our staff and this last month has been a huge collective effort.”
Schmidt, 53, watched on as Andrew Conway scored a hat-trick in the 57-14 victory over the Eagles that made it a clean sweep for Ireland in November.
“It’s really pleasing because the Americans are a very physical, big side.
“We didn’t always capitalise in the first half, which was frustrating, but we did in the second.”
Will Addison sustained a head knock and Jack Conan injured his shoulder, while Darren Sweetnam suffered a back injury and came off after 28 minutes.
“Hopefully it’s nothing serious for Darren,” said Schmidt.
Meanwhile, Johnny Sexton will learn tonight if he to be crowned World Rugby’s Player of the Year.
If the Leinster superstar tops the poll, he will be the first Irishman to win the award since Keith Wood in 2001.