Thursday 29 October 2015 10:21, UK
New Zealand hooker Keven Mealamu has hailed the influence of Wayne Smith as the All Blacks look to make rugby history by retaining the World Cup.
Smith would have joined England's backroom staff had Nick Mallett succeeded Martin Johnson in 2011, but instead opted to spurn Stuart Lancaster's overtures.
The former Northampton coach left the All Blacks set-up after helping them win the World Cup before guiding the Chiefs to Super Rugby success.
Now back with the national side, Mealamu has heaped praise on his defensive coach ahead of Saturday's final against Australia.
"It's been pretty good having Smithy back in the camp," he said. "With guys understanding their roles, he's been able to put some good systems in place for us and he has a really good rapport with the players."
Smith's influence has been seen with the All Blacks conceding just three tries in the tournament and Mealamu is in no doubt as to who has helped shape this impressive rearguard.
"He's a very smart man. He sees a lot of things a player doesn't usually pick up on and he's great at getting his teaching across," he said. "It's been really handy having him back. His attention to detail really adds to the coaching group we've had for the last couple of years."
Veteran hooker Mealamu will end his All Blacks career on Saturday, where he is likely to earn his 132nd cap off the bench.
"It's a pretty cool opportunity."
And ahead of the game, which also brings an end to the international careers of Dan Carter, captain Richie McCaw, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith, the hooker was in relaxed mood.
"I just think it's an exciting challenge that we're really walking towards," Mealamu said. "We've got an opportunity to do it, so there's still plenty of days we need to make sure we get right to enable us to do what we want to achieve.
"It's a pretty cool opportunity."
