The obvious choice from the Possible team named above would be Jake Gordon, who has plenty of experience in the role at the Waratahs. My vote has always been for Fraser McReight, but until he and Liam Wright return we’re probably none the wiser as to who Schmidt is prepared to back longer-term.
3. France v the World
The rebooted Pacific Nations Cup featuring Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Japan, the USA and Canada kicked off on Friday with a 42-16 win for Fiji against Samoa in Suva, but the Pacific Island squads look a little light on star power. Notably, there are a number of France-based Fijians who appear to be unavailable, such as captain Waisea Nayacalevu.
There are clear echoes here of the Will Skelton situation with the Wallabies, and a reminder that the French clubs pose a particular challenge in terms of player availability. This might be something for Brett Robinson to grasp if, as expected, he runs for the chair of World Rugby, which has thrown some marketing dollars at the Pacific Nations Cup.
The upshot is that Eddie Jones has a gilt-edged opportunity to win something with Japan, with the Brave Blossoms set to get their own campaign under way on Sunday against Canada.
4. ‘Less structure’: Why Australians are loving the NPC.
Brumbies winger Ben O’Donnell has made quite the splash in New Zealand, scoring two spectacular tries for Hawke’s Bay on Friday night as they continued their 100 per cent start to the season under Australian coach Brock James.
Afterwards, a beaming O’Donnell gave an insight into why he appears to be having so much fun. “Less structure” was his observation when asked of the difference between Australia and New Zealand.
This masthead also understands that Tane Edmed – or “Tah-neh” as the Kiwis have christened him, using the Maori pronunciation of his name – has been pleasantly surprised at how player-driven the game plans are at North Harbour. Edmed is currently 0-2 after Harbour lost to two of the best sides in the competition, but the change of scenery has already shown him a different way of how teams can be run.
5. Don’t hold your breath for a “third tier”
Iain Payten’s excellent piece on the Shute Shield on Friday highlighted the themes that are so important at that level: a bit of jealousy, a bit of suspicion and a whole lot of tribalism.
Easts winger Darby Lancaster celebrates his match-winning try.Credit: Karen Watson/Sydney Rugby Union
The Waratahs-heavy Easts downed Warringah in dramatic circumstances in the semi-finals, with a last-minute try to Wallabies wing Darby Lancaster, and will meet Norths in the grand final at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.
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And while the fact Easts are now apparently destined to win the comp might enrage the other clubs, it’s bloody good theatre.
It also shows why Rugby Australia might be reluctant to revive any “third tier” competition after two previous attempts. There is also another compelling reason: money.
While it may appear the grass is greener across the ditch, NZR would actually like to strip out costs from the NPC, in anticipation of a future broadcast deal that may well be a reduction once the effects of inflation are taken into account.