New Zealand were in confident mood in Paris today as Joe Schmidt led the team through a morning training session.
Ciarán Kennedy Reports from Paris FOR THE IRISH media dotted around Paris, this is turning into the World Cup of Google Maps. Over the last couple of weeks Ireland and their opponents have moved around various luxury bases on the outskirts of this sprawling city, ensuring our maps app becomes our comfort and security on long treks through strange, large suburbs. No matter how quiet the station or how remote the path, trust the maps.
It’s just the way he likes it. Unlike the other New Zealand assistants, Schmidt doesn’t do press briefings, meaning his voice won’t be shaping the media narrative this week. And over a year into his role as an All Black assistant coach, his new players are more up to speed with Schmidt’s way of thinking.
“I agree with Rieko. A lot of experience,” adds scrum-half Aaron Smith, who debuted against Ireland 11 years ago. “Last year matters in a sense of taking the learnings, but I believe we’re a totally different team to July last year,” Smith continues. “We’ve got new coaches, and as a group that series really galvanised us and I can’t wait for Saturday to see what happens.”
Alamy Stock Photo Aaron Smith, Jason Ryan and Rieko Ioane speaking to the media in Paris today. Alamy Stock Photo
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