Wayne Smith admits it's a job he never thought he'd take on at this stage of his career.
Just two days ago, he was applying for the pension. Now he's overseeing the Black Ferns less than six months out from their World Cup defence on home soil.
His appointment comes after now former coach Glenn Moore's shock resignation over the weekend.
Smith has a fancy title - director of rugby - but it may as well be head coach.
"People are always writing about when I was a head coach and when I was an assistant coach," he said. "I've never felt like an assistant coach."
Job titles aren't important, but a World Cup title is.
"I think we're going to go well at the World Cup, but we're not going to go well today."
The NZ women were winless on their unimpressive northern hemisphere tour last year. Smith's appointment comes just days after a scathing review into the team's culture and Moore's subsequent resignation.
"Will it be my biggest challenge ever?" he pondered. "I've had some big ones, not all successful either.
Like his time in charge of the All Blacks, but his roles as an assistant during World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015 have propelled him to coaching royalty.
"You know, he's known as 'The Professor' and for me, as an experienced player, I'm just really keen to get what's up there," said Black Ferns star Kendra Cocksedge, pointing to her head.
Smith, 65, will have plenty of support, with a familiar name by his side - Whitney Hansen, daughter of Sir Steve Hansen - doing the same as dad.
"She's highly thought of within the group, both by players and coaches," said Smith. "This is a step up for - she's going to be in charge of the forwards with Mike Cron."
Yes, THAT Mike Cron, the former All Blacks scrum coach. Sir Graham Henry will also be involved as a selector and mentor, providing something of an All Blacks old boys feel.
Before he claims that pension, Smith hopes to help guide the Black Ferns to success, the same way he did with the All Blacks.
The Rugby World Cup for women will screen live on Three
