When it comes to head-to-head contests, this would be the twelfth time Gatland and Schmidt have confronted off in opposition to one another. Schmidt has the sting with seven wins, in comparison with three for Gatland and one draw.
Solely Graham Henry and Robbie Deans (15) and Michael Cheika and Steve Hansen (14) have confronted one another extra amongst tier one nations.
The rugby rivalry that dates again many years began once they performed collectively in the identical New Zealand lecturers college crew along with Gatland a hooker and Schmidt a wing.
They’ve coached in opposition to one another since, when Schmidt was answerable for Eire.
After returning to New Zealand, Schmidt finally turned a part of the All Blacks teaching workers, serving to the aspect to the 2023 World Cup remaining the place they had been crushed by South Africa.
Then Australia got here calling and Schmidt’s new aspect defeated Gatland’s Wales in two Exams in the summertime of 2024.
“Each these video games had been tight, in Sydney and Melbourne,” mentioned Schmidt.
“Clearly, this time final 12 months, Wales put 40 factors on the Wallabies within the World Cup.
“It isn’t like they’ve metamorphosed into a foul crew. They received very near numerous groups within the Six Nations.
“I am anticipating them to be extremely onerous to beat. They’re dogmatic with the way in which they go about their defensive work and they’re very onerous to interrupt down.”
