The All Blacks coaching saga is reaching a fever pitch, with a decision on who will lead the legendary team seemingly imminent after a prolonged period of uncertainty! For an astonishing 47 days, the iconic All Blacks have been navigating without a permanent head coach. However, this prolonged wait could finally be drawing to a close, potentially as early as this week.
At the heart of this high-stakes drama are two prominent figures: Jamie Joseph and Dave Rennie. They are locked in a fierce head-to-head contest to succeed Scott Robertson, who was surprisingly removed from the coaching role on January 15th. This decision has certainly sent ripples through the rugby world.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has entrusted a distinguished five-man appointment panel with the crucial task of selecting the preferred candidate. This panel comprises chair David Kirk, interim CEO Steve Lancaster, former high-performance boss Don Tricker, and esteemed ex-All Blacks hookers Keven Mealamu and Dane Coles. Their recommendation 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 get a firsthand perspective, members of the appointment panel have reportedly visited both coaches in their respective working environments, observing them in action.
But here's where it gets interesting... Sky Sport commentator Tony Johnson is stepping in to defend the considerable time this appointment is taking. He explained on the DSPN Podcast, "They have to be seen to be doing their due diligence, following the correct processes." This thorough approach, he believes, is essential to prevent any accusations of the process being a "sham," a concern that has unfortunately shadowed coaching appointments in the past.
Johnson initially heard that NZR planned to make an appointment this week, but now, whispers suggest it might extend into next week. "Just makes you wonder whether there's some sticking points," he mused. And this is the part most people miss: Could the length of the contract 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." He further elaborated, considering Rennie's situation in Japan: "If you’re like Dave Rennie and you’re sitting there in Japan and you’ve been offered whatever it is there... only 18 months in the job is all you’re talking about, aren’t you?"
Interestingly, the fact that the chosen candidate remains a mystery is something Johnson actually applauds. Having witnessed numerous information leaks from NZR over the years, he described the current situation as "very secret squirrel." While the urgency is palpable because "we all want to know," he acknowledges the need for a resolution within the next couple of weeks to provide clarity for the incoming coach regarding their future path.
What do you think? Is the extended deliberation a sign of a truly rigorous selection process, or are there deeper issues at play? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
