Wales v Australia: Warren Gatland and Joe Schmidt rekindle rivalry
In terms of head-to-head confrontation, this will be the 12th time Gatland and Schmidt have faced each other. Schmidt holds the advantage with seven wins, while Gatland has three draws.
Only Graham Henry and Robbie Deans (15) and Michael Cheika and Steve Hansen (14) have played against each other more often in Division One countries.
The rugby rivalry goes back decades, when they played together in the same New Zealand Normal Schools team, Gatland as a hooker and Schmidt as a flanker.
They have played against each other since Schmidt coached the Irish.
After returning to New Zealand, Schmidt eventually became part of the All Blacks’ coaching staff, helping the team reach the 2023 World Cup finals, where they were ultimately defeated by South Africa.
Australia then came calling, with Schmidt’s new side beating Gatland’s Wales in two Tests in the summer of 2024.
“Both games in Sydney and Melbourne were very intense,” Schmidt said.
“Obviously, this time last year, Wales scored 40 points against the Wallabies in the World Cup.
“They haven’t turned into a bad team. They’re very close to a lot of teams in the Six Nations.
“I expect them to be difficult to beat. The way they defend is dogmatic and difficult to beat.”
