Joe Schmidt expects ‘unpopularity’ on Dublin return

Joe Schmidt, head coach for Australia, stated he does not anticipate being “love-bombed” by Ireland supporters prior to his upcoming return to Dublin this weekend. Schmidt previously guided Ireland to three Six Nations championships over a six-year period as their coach, but will now lead the Wallabies in Saturday’s Test match against Andy Farrell’s team. “I know the Aviva pretty well and that will be nice to get back there, albeit in a different changing shed,” the New Zealander remarked following his team’s 27-13 defeat to Scotland on Sunday. He further commented, “I’m really excited about getting back, I don’t know about being love-bombed.” Schmidt also recalled, “I coached against them a couple of times with the All Blacks and I think I was pretty unpopular there.” He concluded, “I’ve swapped sides again and there’ll be a degree of unpopularity.” Schmidt, who departed Ireland after the 2019 World Cup, additionally stated: “The way my family and I were looked after in Dublin was fantastic, and right around Ireland. It’s a special place for us.” He also noted, “We still have a home there and a daughter, I’m looking forward to catching up with her.” Emphasizing his professional focus, he added, “It will be a nice week to get back there but there’s only one game in town and that’s about the footy, and trying to help these guys prepare as best they can.”