New Zealand rugby journalist Chris Rattue believes Joe Schmidt is a cut above any other coach on the planet but doesn't believe he will take over from Steve Hansen after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Speaking on this morning's OTB AM the New Zealander praised his fellow countryman's coaching prowess but believes no other team can stop the All-Blacks.
New Zealand disposed of Australia in their opening two games of the Rugby Championship and face Ireland in the Autumn internationals. He thinks their strength-in-depth pool is getting deeper.
"The problem is they haven't peaked. They are building a new way of playing there, and they've got quality with the attacking players - It's scary some of the stuff that's appearing down here.
The regular protocol for a aspiring New Zealand coach is that a manager from a team based in the country is selected for the position. Rattue doesn't agree with the policy but says it could be the significant and deciding factor.
Rattue believes Schmidt's coaching skills are a perfect for him to become the next All-Blacks coach after the 2019 World Cup.
"I think the man's achieved so much that he shouldn't have to. For my money, he's the best coach in World rugby. Steve Hansen has a special ability to understand what makes New Zealand rugby players tick; and how to make the All-Blacks tick, but if you're to say who's the best coach in World rugby rugby - I'd say Joe Schmidt by a country mile, without a shadow of a doubt.
"If New Zealand rugby is serious about getting the very best - then Joe Schmidt is the very best,' said Rattue.
The NZ Herald journalist concluded the close knit community in the New Zeland Rugby Union will select Hansen's assistant coach Ian Foster.
It's expected Hansen will relinquish his position after the 2019 World cup.
"How it works here; is that it's very in-house. Ian Foster has been the long-time deputy for Steve Hansen. I think he's favourite in the halls of power here, and most of the insiders here believe that Ian foster would get the job"
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