The curtains will come down on the 2024 Autumn Nations Series with Ireland v Australia at the Aviva Stadium. Farrell, Ireland’s head coach, honed his craft under Schmidt, a figure synonymous with Irish rugby’s rise during his time in charge. Together, they shaped a formidable team, culminating in the nation’s first Grand Slam in almost decade in 2018 and a number one world ranking. This history adds weight to Saturday’s meeting, where Schmidt, now in charge of the Australian set-up, returns in opposition.
Schmidt’s approach to coaching, built on precision and preparation, left an indelible mark on Farrell, particularly after his difficult exit from England following the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Joining Ireland as Schmidt’s defence coach in 2016, Farrell found an environment where his natural leadership and understanding of the game thrived. The duo crafted one of the most efficient defensive units in world rugby, a hallmark that persists in Farrell’s own Ireland. Farrell’s current team, however, adds his flair for emotional connection and adaptability, turning Ireland into a dynamic, attacking force.
Schmidt, meanwhile, has embarked on a fascinating journey since stepping down from Ireland in 2019. After a stint with the All Blacks – Schmidt was key to their quarter-final win against Ireland in last year’s World Cup – he joined Australia’s coaching staff, offering his unparalleled strategic acumen to a team in dire need of it after an extended period in the doldrums. His return to Dublin with the Wallabies brings a tantalising subplot to an already high-stakes fixture. The Irish crowd, many of whom fondly remember Schmidt’s transformative reign (likewise Leinster fans, for whom he provided a Midas touch as well), will now watch him try to outfox the man he once mentored.
The match also serves as a prelude to next year’s British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, where Farrell will lead the touring party. It’s a role Farrell will take up on a full-time basis after the final whistle is blown on Saturday. With Schmidt’s fingerprints on his former protégé’s coaching philosophy, their impending head-to-head battle next summer only amplifies the intrigue. Saturday's clash offers fans a preview of this fascinating tactical rivalry, where Farrell’s evolving vision of rugby meets Schmidt’s enduring mastery of detail.
After a dismal Rugby Championship where Australia registered only one win (against Argentina), the Wallabies caused the world to sit up and take notice with a series-opening victory against England that very few saw coming. The ambition to emulate the Grand Slam-winning tour in the year of its 40th anniversary had begun with a bang, and things continued apace with a thrashing of Wales a week later. A reality check was to come against Scotland over the weekend, but just maybe it was one that Australia needed, what with a greater threat lying in wait.
For their part, Ireland haven’t enjoyed the sort of dominant Autumn Nations Series many would have predicted. They were expected to take the fight to the All Blacks, but fired very few shots, before scraping past Argentina, then putting away Fiji with relative ease.
So with both teams on an equal win-loss record in November, the question now is: who will come out on top?
The playing years
Andy Farrell had a stellar rugby league career, debuting for Wigan at 16 and captaining the club by 21. He won numerous domestic and international honours, including six league titles, four Challenge Cups, and the prestigious Man of Steel award twice. Farrell also represented Great Britain and England - becoming the youngest man to ever captain his country - and did so with distinction, earning over 40 caps and becoming one of the sport's most respected figures before switching to rugby union in 2005. He joined Saracens - featuring in a match with his son, Owen - and went on to play for England eight times.
In comparison, Joe Schmidt had a modest playing career, playing as a centre or wing for Manawatu in New Zealand's domestic competition during the 1980s and early 1990s. Though not a standout at the elite level, he gained experience in the game that would later inform his highly successful coaching career, working first as an assistant at Bay of Plenty, Auckland Blues and Clermont, before tasting huge success with Leinster and Ireland.
Ireland v Australia, Saturday 30th November, 15:00. Live on TNT Sports.
