Joe Schmidt is already winning rave reviews in his first week at work putting the fear factor back in the All Blacks’ attack.
The former Ireland coach has signed on as one of Ian Foster’s key lieutenants after previously being earmarked for a selection and backroom analysis role.
He is overqualified for the attack coach gig, having overseen the rise of Ireland into a powerhouse during his 2013-19 tenure.
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And the former schoolteacher’s first task is unpicking Argentina’s defence – led by Michael Cheika and David Kidwell – in Christchurch on Saturday.
Los Pumas are the Rugby Championship leaders and New Zealand are last after two rounds.
But according to Isa Nacewa, it is Argentina who should be afraid.
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Nacewa played under Schmidt at Leinster and said the marriage of the coach’s sharp, analytical brain and the talented All Blacks athletes could brew into something special.
“It is quite a scary thought what he can do,” Nacewa told The Breakdown, available to stream on demand on Stan Sport.
“Because he has always been at teams – whether it was Clermont, Leinster or Ireland – that he has had to sort of build up the group of players and absolutely perform.
“They still talk about him. They still talk about him in Clermont, they still talk about him weekly at Leinster and Ireland, in camp and what we did.
“Now he’s coming to the elite of the elite players. This is the All Blacks he gets to get his hands on and get involved with. That I think is a scary thought.”
Reports in New Zealand suggested that Foster would have been sacked if the All Blacks had lost their clash with the Springboks at Ellis Park.
But the senior players stood tall for the beleaguered coach with an upset victory that led to NZ Rugby rubber stamping him through to next year’s World Cup.
The rejigged coaching team consists of Foster, Schmidt, Jason Ryan (forwards), Scott McLeod (defence), Greg Feek (scrum) and Andrew Strawbridge (skills).
“Joe brings a different level of intensity,” Nacewa said.
“There are a lot of great coaches in the world, and then he has been labelled ‘Mr Rugby.’
“That’s him for a reason. As a player, you bring an idea to the table, and lo and behold he’s already thought about it from six different angles, he’s six steps ahead of you.
“But he also brings an unprecedented level for coaches. It makes them take it up a notch as well. He knows how to get the best out of players, but he just doesn’t let off.”
All Blacks fullback Jordie Barrett confirmed that legendary work ethic this week.
“From the 48 hours I’ve seen of Joe, he certainly hasn’t eased his way back into training,” Barrett said.
“He’s a confident coach, and he watches a lot of clips. It’s only been 48 hours, but it’s been positive. It’s early doors, and I’ll be looking to pick his brain like the rest of the coaches and help prepare the best I can.”
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Schmidt was previously involved with the All Blacks this season when COVID-19 consigned Foster to isolating at home.
New Zealand beat Ireland 42-19 that week at Eden Park before slumping to three straight losses.
“We got a little bit of an insight into Joe and got to know him a wee bit that first week against the Irish, so to have him in camp fulltime is a real privilege,” All Blacks captain Sam Cane said.
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“We’re excited to work with him. He’s already stamped his mark in a few areas, he will predominately be working with attack and attack structure. We’ve had a few sessions in the classroom with him already, and it’s good to have him on the field.”
The All Blacks are ranked fourth in the world behind Ireland, France and South Africa.
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