Ross: Schmidt factor not enough for All Blacks

The presence of Joe Schmidt in the New Zealand coaching set-up should be a cause for concern ahead of Saturday's Rugby World Cup quarter-final, but it won’t be enough to defeat Ireland, according to Mike Ross.

One of the subplots to the mouth-watering last eight tie in Paris is the world number one side coming up against the most decorated coach in Irish rugby history.

After silverware-laden years with Leinster, Schmidt oversaw the beginning of a new dawn on the international front, with the groundwork build on by current coach Andy Farrell.

Schmidt is now of course a key part of Ian Foster’s backroom team and with such a detailed knowledge of the Irish system and players, it has been suggested that the Kiwi could help derail Ireland’s latest quest to reach a maiden semi-final.

Former Leinster and Ireland prop Ross worked under Schmidt at both provincial and international level and says his influence cannot be discounted.

"Joe will be going through our defence and going through defence, looking for gaps around rucks, or if we’re short in the backfield somewhere, any weakness he can find," he told 2fm’s Game On.

"He is always good for coming up for one or two set-plays to exploit that. I worry about him and what he can do."

Since Schmidt left the Irish post – initially as director of rugby and high performance at World Rugby before linking up with the All Blacks in late 2021 - many of the players have spoken about the different atmosphere in camp under the new regime, suggesting that the all-consuming environment of the New Zealander had been at times stifling.

Ross insists that Schmidt’s work – primarily breakdown efficiency, speed of feed and work-rate – paved the way for a new era, with Farrell adding his stamp to the project.