Wayne Smith’s role in transforming All Blacks culture bears fruit

The New Zealand assistant coach faced initial resistance to his attempts to introduce more responsibility and leadership into the team but it has paid offToday, few doubt Wayne Smith’s passion for the All Blacks jersey. But it was not ever thus for the side’s cerebral assistant coach, whose command of defence, counterattack and skills was to the fore as New Zealand defeated the British & Irish Lions in the first Test. “In 2001 I got sacked as All Blacks head coach,” he says. “NZ Rugby’s then CEO told me John Mitchell had the job. When I asked him why, he replied: ‘He showed more passion th…