Despite arriving fresh from the rural backwaters of Tauranga, it hasn't taken long for Joe Schmidt to find his feet as part of the new-look Blues coaching team in Auckland.
The 39-year-old former school teacher has marched straight into the unique culture at the Blues with a distinct brand of enthusiasm and a reputation for masterminding try-scoring backline moves.
But even Schmidt admits to some moments of disbelief when he suddenly finds himself face-to-face with an All Black delivering same sage rugby advice.
"To be honest it is not too bad because I sort of know a lot of these guys from when I was coaching at New Zealand secondary schools level," Schmidt said.
"But then at times I wonder what the hell is going on because I was never close to being an All Black and here I am, a skinny little palagi winger from the Manawatu, telling these All Black superstars to do something different," he said.
"But then when you get to know these guys you realise they are just footy players too, and not bad blokes at the same time."
Thanks to the Blues conjuring up a solid win against the Highlanders last week, Schmidt has enjoyed a week of backslapping congratulations.
But in the lead up to tonight's match against the Reds, he is acutely aware that a week can be a very long time in the professional rugby world.
He might need to make sure his players are on full alert too, especially after making his first big call as backs coach and dropping All Blacks second five eighths Sam Tuitupou to the reserves bench in favour of the highly regarded Luke McAllister for tonight's game.
Schmidt explained the decision easily enough, but was also wary of the Reds who he expects to take a physical approach tonight.
Tuitupou's aggressive defence might yet be missed.
"It is probably more comfortable for Luke (McAllister) at second five, centre was a bit foreign for him really, but the decision was as much about looking after Sam (Tuitupou) as well," Schmidt said.
"Sam has had a terrible run of injuries in the past couple of seasons and we regard him as vital to our campaign and just want to manage him so we get the best out of him," he said.
Not that the quality of Schmidt's backline attack takes a hit with Tuitupou in the reserves, as Ben Atiga, All Black utility and age group superstar, picks up the slack at centre. As a coach who admits to spending "far too much time dreaming up backline moves", having such a large group of multi-talented players at his disposal is a dream come true.
But even he hesitates a bit when asked if that will hold up as an excuse when his (former) mates from Tauranga, Napier and the Manawatu confront him about his decision to become an Aucklander.
"Yeah, I'm not sure," he laughs, "but in the world of professional rugby these days loyalty is transitional you know. That's unfortunate I suppose, but it just goes with the territory." The teams for tonight's game are. -
Blues: Mils Muliaina, Isa Nacewa, Ben Atiga, Luke McAlister, Joe Rokocoko, Carlos Spencer, David Gibson, Xavier Rush, Daniel Braid, Angus MacDonald, Ali Williams, Greg Rawlinson, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Saimone Taumoepeau.
Reserves: Rudi Wulf, Sam Tuitupou, Steve Devine, Nick Williams, Justin Collins, Taufa'ao Filise, Derren Witcombe.
Reds: Drew Mitchell, Wendell Sailor, Junior Pelesasa, Steve Kefu, Peter Hynes, Elton Flatley (captain), Josh Valentine, John Roe, David Croft, Daniel Heenan, Nathan Sharpe, Hugh McMeniman, Anthony Mathison, Stephen Moore, Nick Stiles. Reserves: Sean Hardman, Greg Holmes, Rudi Vedalago, Tom McVerry, Nic Berry, Julian Huxley, Ben Tune.
Rugby dream come true for boy from the Bay
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