A World Cup-winning former New Zealand assistant coach has rejoined the All Blacks camp ahead of their second Bledisloe Cup clash against the Wallabies on Saturday.
Known as ‘The Professor’, Wayne Smith has returned to provide guidance as the All Blacks look to end their six-year winless drought in Wellington.
“He came in late last night as a bit of a fly on the wall,” All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland was quoted by New Zealand’s Herald. “I’m picking his brain, everybody is picking his brain. He’s all over it.”
The versatile Will Jordan, fresh off a standout performance at fullback in Sydney last week, expressed his excitement about Smith’s influence.
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“I haven’t had too much to do with Wayne, but he’s got a great record that speaks for itself,” Jordan said. “It will be nice to pick his brain. He’s a great man to have working behind the scenes.”
With the Bledisloe Cup secured, the All Blacks are eager to put on a strong final home performance, especially to honour veterans Sam Cane and TJ Perenara. Both players are available for the northern hemisphere tour before departing to Japan at the end of 2024. Former captain, Cane is line to play his 100th Test on Saturday.
In team news, inside centre Jordie Barrett is sidelined by a medial ligament injury so Canterbury’s Chay Fihaki has been called in as cover. Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard has also joined the squad as he recovers from a torn patella.
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
