The New Zealand media is reporting that the All Blacks have summoned Sir Wayne Smith in an attempt to snap a six-year winless streak at Sky Stadium in Wellington and put an end to their difficulties in the final quarter.
Smith, also referred to as “The Professor” in NZ ruby circles, is recognised as one of the most intelligent people in rugby. Before the side’s second Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies, the 67-year-old has arrived at Upper Hutt to join the team camp.
All Blacks v Australia Wellington in bid to banish final-quarter woes
Sir Wayne Smith has joined the All Blacks for the first time this year as they try to overcome their final-quarter struggles and end their six-year skid in Wellington.
Nicknamed “The Professor,” Smith is recognised as one of the sharpest brains in rugby worldwide. On Monday, he was seen strolling alongside NZ coach Scott Robertson at the team’s adopted NZCIS base in Upper Hutt.
They have a long-standing mentorship relationship that dates back to when Smith coached Robertson for the Crusaders from 1997 to 1999 and throughout the New Zealand campaigns in 2000 and 2001.
Today, Smith’s formal title in New Zealand Rugby is performance coach with the Black Ferns and All Blacks, a post that is essentially geared to draw into his nous whenever needed, having worked with a variety of teams throughout the rugby world.
All Blacks camp this week was planned
Smith did not arrive at All Blacks camp by accident this week; rather, his entrance was prearranged. Smith had been frustrated with his performance in the prior five tests, having failed to score a point in the last quarter.
But with a 31-28 loss in Sydney last week, the All Blacks are gearing up for a rematch with the Wallabies in Wellington, and Smith’s new perspective will undoubtedly offer valuable insights to a side that, eight tests into the season, is still struggling to find consistency.
It’s been fantastic. As a bit of a fly on the wall, he arrived late last night, according to All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland.
