The other return: Assistant coach Fisher reflects on Ireland experience

Whilst the attention is on Joe Schmidt's return to Ireland, assistant coach Laurie Fisher has reflected on his own return after making his mark with one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Fisher joined Irish powerhouse Munster in 2008 as forwards coach, claiming a Magners League title to go with two Heineken Cup and one Magners League semi-final appearances.

Ironically, this included facing Joe Schmidt's Leinster, with the Kiwi coming away with spoils on the day in 2009.

“It's great to be back," Fisher said to reporters.

“I love my time in Ireland, wonderful people (with) great rugby traditions so it's always a great place to return to. 

“Munster had some great players at the time so I learned a lot from my time here.

“We virtually just about had the full Irish team at the time so it was a great learning experience from guys like Paul (O'Connell), Donncha (O'Callaghan), Ronan (O'Gara) and all those guys.

"I had my family here and we really enjoyed the hospitality of the people, living out in Ballincollig and they couldn't have done more to make us feel welcome.”

After battling each other in Ireland, Schmidt and Fisher united at the start of the year, with the former Brumbies boss one of the first appointments by the man who turned around Ireland Rugby.

This history with Ireland adds further weight to the Test on Sunday (AEDT), which doubles as the 150th anniversary celebration for the Irish Rugby Union.

Fisher refused to be drawn on whether Schmidt's past experience with Ireland was a major game-changer, having helped New Zealand knock his former side out of last year's World Cup. Instead taking the chance to praise Schmidt for what he's brought to the Wallabies in such a short time.

“Joe’s got an intimate knowledge of Irish rugby over the past decade but in the end, the guys on the field are going to determine the result,” he said.

“We need to concern ourselves with our game and if we do our stuff well to the best of our ability, we’ll be competitive.

“If it comes down to the bounce of a ball or a moment of incredible execution, we'll hope with five minutes to go we're in the hunt for that to happen.

“…I’ve known Joe for a long time but never coached with him previously. He really is a great guy to work with and he's got an insane amount of knowledge about all aspects of the game. 

“He's got a great manner with his staff and the players and a great eye for detail on the pitch and that's something we're all chasing to be better at and he sees things in the moment which makes him a better coach than most.”

Schmidt's revival of the Wallabies has led to many speculating about his future in the role, with the coach contracted until next year.

Fisher was hopeful Schmidt would stay whilst recognising and understanding his unique family situation with his son Luke diagnosed with epilepsy.

"I think it would be great for Australian Rugby. He’s a class act and he's making a huge difference but he's got other things and he'll make decisions around whatever's happening in his life,” Fisher notes.

“Whichever way it goes, I wish him all the best but in the short period he's been here, I think he's made an enormous change for the better.

“…I know Joe from day one said that he sought permission to be 100% honest with the group about what they did well and what they're not doing well.

" Players always say, 'yeah, give me the truth, give me both barrels', but they don't necessarily mean it, I don't think but we've got a generally good group of players and Joe is honest with them about what we're doing well and not doing well. You're looking for growth."