We've been deprived of a national pastime of bitterly squabbling over the next coaches for a while now, so feels good to get back into the trenches. In terms of the next coaching group, these seem to be the more realistic options that I can think of, though there's probably others I've missed. Do say so if I have.
Head coaches
Cotter
Gatland
Joseph
Rennie
Robertson
Schmidt
Forwards coaches
Joseph
Plumtree
Backs/attack coaches
Brown
Schmidt
Defence coaches
Mitchell
Plumtree
Set-piece coaches
Coventry
Feek
Ryan
I'm not sure where exactly Boyd, Robertson, and Keane all specialise in.
HC's not listed elsewhere (e.g. Cotter, Gatland, and Rennie) are because I'm pretty sure they wouldn't want to work as anyone's assistant. Though each would, presumably, take over whatever area they specialise in if they were HC.
I've included guys like Gatland and Schmidt even though they're probably unlikely (as HC, anyway) due to contractual or personal commitments. I'm also not entirely sure whether other NH based coaches may also be tied up by contracts.
Personally I was a big fan of the Cotter/Schmidt combo for post-2011. If Cotter were still interested then I'd still like to give it a go, though Schmidt's circumstances make it a bit tricky. If he's only gone for 2020, then could just use a stopgap (maybe coax Wayne Smith out of retirement for a year?) until he returns. If not, then would have to overlook him for now, or have him as a consultant/whatever.
Another complication is Tony Brown. The guy may just be a shoe-in for any coaching group. Both he and Schmidt are attack coaches, and two doesn't go into one. Though if we could do a Belichick, and convert an attack coach (Schmidt) into a defence coach, then it could work. Would also rock some serious coaching IQ.
For set-piece coach, I've seen more of Coventry and Ryan than Feek so am probably biased towards them. Both Coventry and Ryan have produced good packs and scrums, though Coventry has the greater experience so may lean towards him, even if it f*cks the Blues. Though would have no complaints with Ryan.
Robertson is too inexperienced for a HC. His only experience beyond the Canterbury and Crusaders bubble is with the U20's, which inherently has a tumultuous nature. He'll need to go amass some international/NH experience first. Indeed, he lacks the test HC experience that NZR requires. Or, at least what they required when they declined Cotter in 2011.
While he's done great work with England, Mitchell still seems to be his same old abrasive self. May best be used as Eddie has used him; in a short intense burst.
Is he? Isn't he actually doing quite well at Leinster?
Mainly it's the done thing to link Burt to any job going. He's going at least okay in Leinster, probably be rated as good, but whilst he's under contract I think he'd surely be available for a role with NZ bar he does have kids and it might not work given wanting to keep kids in the same area/school
Will there be any players in the team who played with/against Razor? I think that was in issue when Mitchell was head coach. He was expected to coach guys he had break consistently beaten by as a player. Apparently he held a grudge where some of them were concerned.
cashead wrote:I'd go with:
Gatland - HC/Defence
Brown - Backs/Attack
Robertson - Forwards
Feek - Scrum
You would genuinely go for Gatland? That seems very odd to me. Even with the success he's brought Wales, the style with which he's done it seems antithetical to New Zealand rugby.
Why not Cotter? Had success with Scotland, has been around the block, might lure Schmidt back after his sabbatical.
Garland's record at Wales is hard to argue with but I really hope you lot don't go for him. His Wales the is not always as boring as last night but rugby is a lot better with an attack minded exciting New Zealand. If you can get them, I think a Cotter Schmidt combo would be dreamy.
Edit: I recognise Schmidt's Ireland team hasn't always been the best to watch but I do think he is innovative and with different players would play a different way
Given the progression from Henry to Hansen, and the success that has brought, promotion from within the system is likely, with new blood brought in under HC level.
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Lizard wrote:Given the progression from Henry to Hansen, and the success that has brought, promotion from within the system is likely, with new blood brought in under HC level.
Even after the utter collapse that is failing to win three games in a season and going out in the semi-finals? I was under the impression that those within the system were now ruled out for being part of such abject failure?
Schmidt - do the ABs want to play rugby by numbers?
Gatland - despite the recent success of Wales, most of his career there was typified by Gatball - a particularly dull form of safety first rugby without innovation.
I'd say avoid both like the plague. You have the player talent and just need a coach who allows them to express themselves, rather than constrain the team.
Tony Brown has revealed he has rejected overtures from both Ian Foster and Scott Robertson to be part of their coaching teams if they succeed in replacing Steve Hansen as All Blacks coach. Instead, Brown will be part of Jamie Joseph's team if the current coach of Japan applies for the All Blacks job. "It just didn't feel right to be floating between three coaching teams," he told the Breakdown.
If Razor got the job would the NZ side then become a team that defends ball watching? And if so would the NZ franchises then all have to defend in similar fashion? I'm guessing most sides tend to watch the man as things stand, or is that an out of date view?
Lizard wrote:The NZRU has also apparently invited 26, TWENTY-Bloody-SIX!, coaches to apply for the head coach role with a nominated team of assistants.
I’m fairly sure they’ve ruled out foreign coaches (but I hope Jake White for an invite just for the troll value) so who is on their list?
Here's my attempt (in no real order of preference) to think of 26 remotely viable candidates:
1. Foster
2. Cotter
3. Gatland
4. Joseph
5. Rennie
6. Robertson
7. Schmidt (although he has already ruled himself out)
8. Plumtree
9. Boyd
10. Brown (unlikely as he's committed to assisting Joseph)
11. Mitchell (which would keep talkback afloat for years)
12. Deans
13. Hansen (ok-not likely)
14. Brad Thorn?
15. Gibson
16. Umaga
17. McDonald
18. Wayne Smith
19. Hammett
20. Ryan
21. Mauger
22. McKee
23. Haig
24. Steve Jackson
25. Kirwan
26. Pivac
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RNZ seems to have discounted the prospect of the NZRU getting a coach already committed elsewhere or has said they're not interested. Instead they've looked at Mitre 10 Cup coaches - none of whom really have a shot, do they?
If anyone's got Premium Access, the NZ Herald has a list behind the paywall.
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I can confirm that there will be people in Bath crying with laughter if you voluntarily choose Blackadder. I will be crying if you get Lam, as he's absolutely outstanding and I don't want him anywhere near you.
There is no way Blackadder is even close. He might be in the 26 but there is no way there are 26 people sufficiently qualified to be head coach of the All Blacks.
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cashead wrote:
15. No no no no no, fuck no, no no no.
Why so strongly against Lam? He's been incredible coaching in Europe and his ability to build a team is second to none. Granted, I wouldn't necessarily chuck him in at the deep end on this little experience, but I'm surprised he rates a f*ck no.