Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt suddenly finds himself at the centre of a potential tug of war between Australia and New Zealand after the two nations were drawn into the same Rugby World Cup pool for the first time in history. The moment the All Blacks were placed alongside the Wallabies in Pool A during Wednesday night’s highly anticipated Rugby World Cup 2027 draw.
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A mixture of shock, excitement, and nervous laughter swept through the room. The southern hemisphere heavyweights are overwhelming favourites to beat newcomers Chile and Hong Kong China in their other pool fixtures. That means their showdown, which will feel more like a Bledisloe Cup clash than a standard pool match, will almost certainly decide who tops the group.
But while the rugby world is buzzing about that matchup, Schmidt’s long-term future is far less clear. The New Zealander is set to hand over the Wallabies’ head coaching role to Les Kiss next August. Initially, Schmidt planned to finish after this year’s series against the touring British & Irish Lions. However, Rugby Australia twice extended his contract.
Eventually convincing him to stay until Kiss finishes his 2026 Super Rugby duties with the Queensland Reds and can take over full-time. When asked on Wednesday whether he might remain involved with Australia in some advisory capacity until the end of the Rugby World Cup 2027, Schmidt responded cautiously. His answer Not at this stage was neither a firm no nor an enthusiastic yes.
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Rugby World Cup: Wallabies Coach Admits Staying Longer Won’t Be Easy
He praised the current Wallabies group, saying he had hugely enjoyed working with them and admired their work ethic. Walking away, Rugby World Cup, he admitted, would not be easy, especially since he believes they will be in good hands under Kiss. Still, Schmidt has other pressing priorities. His son, who lives in New Zealand, has severe epilepsy. Family responsibilities weigh heavily on him.
And he revealed that he has spent just two weeks at home over the past five months. For now, being closer to home seems to be his main goal. When pressed on whether Kiss could convince him to stay longer, Schmidt spoke with humour and honesty. He explained that coaching at three previous World Cups brought both joy and stress.
And his willingness to return would depend heavily on the circumstances. He also noted that he and Kiss have been close friends for many years, so they will talk often regardless of official roles. Schmidt’s connection to New Zealand rugby runs deep. He served as an All Blacks assistant coach during the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, where New Zealand narrowly lost the final 12–11 to South Africa.
That background makes him an obvious target for the New Zealand Rugby Union, especially now that he has spent significant time studying and coaching against the Wallabies. When asked whether he might be interested in returning to the All Blacks setup, Schmidt once again left the door slightly open.
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Schmidt Hints He Might Watch Rugby World Cup Final from the Stands
He insisted he was not seeking involvement with either side at the moment but suggested he might simply attend the tournament as a spectator. Rugby World Cup Final, he said, is are really special occasion, full of energy, atmosphere, and unforgettable moments. Having experienced three of them from the sideline, he admitted that part of him looks forward to enjoying.
The next one, without the pressure that comes with coaching. Meanwhile, the Wallabies’ path through the tournament could hinge heavily on their pool meeting with the All Blacks. Australia, currently ranked seventh and going through a long rebuilding phase, must produce something extraordinary to make a run toward its fifth Rugby World Cup Final. If they manage to defeat New Zealand and top the pool.
They would almost certainly face the two-time defending champions, South Africa, in a blockbuster quarter-final. But if they lose to the All Blacks, their road becomes very different: likely Japan in the round of 16, followed by England in the quarters, and then either Ireland or Argentina in the semifinals.
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson summed it up best after the draw. In a Rugby World Cup Final, he said, you’ve got to beat the best teams at some stage anyway. Every possible path presents its own risks and opportunities. And if a quarter-final against the Springboks awaits, Wilson insists the Wallabies will embrace the challenge. It will be exciting, he said. It’s a challenge we’re going to have to be ready for.
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