Kiss is expected to be officially named as Joe Schmidt’s successor on Wednesday, ending months of speculation after the latter announced in January he would be stepping down from the job.
So long has it dragged on, fans could be forgiven for fearing it would derail the Reds’ Super Rugby Pacific ambitions. Quite the contrary, they are now on track for their first top-four finish since 2012 – excluding the two Super Rugby Australia campaigns in 2020-21.
Les Kiss is expected to be named as the next Wallabies coach.Credit: Getty Images
Kiss trusts his men to back themselves and play what’s in front of them, delivering wins against every New Zealand side (two away) – except the Hurricanes – while not taking a penalty goal all year.
Previously unheralded men Richie Asiata, Dre Pakeho, Joe Brial and John Bryant have become genuine starting options, while Tom Lynagh, Josh Flook, Massimo De Lutiis and Tim Ryan have burst onto the international radar.
Fraser McReight, Matt Faessler, Lukhan-Salakaia-Loto and Wilson also reportedly spurned lucrative interest overseas to remain in Australia, with the number of Wallabies in the Queensland squad now at 18 – excluding De Lutiis and midyear squad member Ryan Smith.
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The trust in them has been felt by the playing group, and after experiencing a period of rebuild under Schmidt, will be central to guiding the nation back to World Cup contention.
“I think he’d be great, he’s done great things for this club, and I’m sure he’d do great things up there as well,” Reds captain and Wallabies halfback Tate McDermott said when asked how Kiss would handle the Wallabies job.
“You’ve seen guys like Timmy Ryan come through, young forwards like Joe Brial, and then experienced guys like Fraser and Wilso take their games to a whole other level.
“He’s just a really good person, and that’s super important, particularly with the younger profile of our squad, being a good people person and also having that blend of being an experienced coach is really important.”
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