The All Blacks coaching saga is reaching a fever pitch, and the suspense is almost unbearable! After a lengthy 47 days without a head coach, it seems a decision is finally on the horizon, potentially as early as this week.
The spotlight is intensely focused on Jamie Joseph and Dave Rennie, who are locked in a fierce competition to succeed Scott Robertson. Robertson's abrupt departure from the role on January 15th sent shockwaves through the rugby world, leaving a significant void.
New Zealand Rugby has assembled a distinguished five-man appointment panel to navigate this crucial decision. This panel includes the esteemed chair David Kirk, interim CEO Steve Lancaster, former high-performance boss Don Tricker, and legendary former All Blacks hookers Keven Mealamu and Dane Coles. Their task is to identify the preferred candidate, whose name will then be presented to the board for final approval.
Currently, Dave Rennie is at the helm of the Kobe Steelers in Japan, while Jamie Joseph is leading the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition. To gain a deeper understanding of their capabilities, members of the appointment panel have personally visited both coaches, observing them in their respective professional environments.
But here's where it gets interesting... Sky Sport commentator Tony Johnson is stepping in to defend the extended timeline for this appointment. He emphasized to the DSPN Podcast, "They have to be seen to be doing their due diligence, following the correct processes." This thorough approach, he argues, is essential to prevent any accusations of a "sham" appointment, a concern that has unfortunately shadowed past coaching selections.
Johnson initially understood the plan was for an appointment this week, but whispers now suggest it might stretch into next week. "Just makes you wonder whether there's some sticking points," he mused. And this is the part most people miss... Could contract length be a major hurdle? "Whether it will only be a two-year contract, whether that's enough to satisfy someone to give up their job." For a coach like Dave Rennie, who is settled in Japan with the Kobe Steelers, a mere 18-month commitment might not be enough to entice a move. What do you think? Is an 18-month contract a deal-breaker for a top-tier coach?
Despite the prolonged wait, Johnson is commending the "very secret squirrel" approach to this process, especially given the history of information leaks from New Zealand Rugby. "The urgency is because we all want to know, and it does need to be sorted out within the next couple of weeks, you'd think, just for the sake of the coach so that he knows what his way forward is." The need for clarity for the incoming coach is paramount, allowing them to plan their strategy and team building effectively.
This prolonged secrecy has certainly kept fans on the edge of their seats! Do you believe the extended deliberation will lead to a better outcome, or is it a sign of underlying issues? Share your thoughts below!
