All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson says he has “full respect” for new Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt ahead of the first Bledisloe Cup fixture.

Schmidt’s decorated coaching career featured a long and successful stint as Ireland’s head coach which saw them claim the number one world ranking for the first time.

After joining the Blues as an advisor, Schmidt was called in to assist under ex-coach Ian Foster with the All Blacks and helped them reach a Rugby World Cup final in 2023.

Regarded as an expert in ball-in-hand rugby, Robertson already sees signs of improvement with the Wallabies after last year’s disastrous season under Eddie Jones.

“Joe’s got them structured enough to play some, some great ball in hand,” Robertson said.

“You know they swing well that they know when they can kick their ball.

“They can hold the ball for high phases. They know what they’re doing, with a little bit of bite in them. It’s gonna be hell of a Bledisloe Cup.”

Robertson said the All Blacks are well aware of the history of the series, particularly when the first Test is in Australia.