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Ex-England international: Why nobody wants 'poisoned' All Blacks job
By Online Editors
The All Blacks coaching role is a "poisoned chalice".
At least that's the view of former England international Ben Kay, as All Black fans patiently wait to find out who will lead the team as Steve Hansen's successor.
New Zealand Rugby plan to announce the new coach next month with current assistant coach Ian Foster and Crusaders coach Scott Robertson the frontrunners.
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The likes of Warren Gatland, Jamie Joseph, Tony Brown and Dave Rennie, who were all part of the initial group of 26 coaches invited to apply, have all declined or pulled out of the race.
In a column for The Times, Kay said their rejection to what should be one of the "most sought-after jobs" indicates the unappealing challenge of the role.
"There are parallels between Steve Hansen's departure from the All Blacks after 15 years as an assistant and head coach and the time Sir Alex Ferguson left Manchester United. Taking over from Hansen after more than a decade of unparalleled All Blacks dominance is a poisoned chalice," Kay, who played for the British and Irish Lions in 2005, wrote.
"The squad Ferguson left behind at Old Trafford was nowhere near as strong as it had been and things began to spiral as successive managers tried and failed to rebuild the team. The same challenge awaits Hansen's successor. New Zealand are still a fine team but they are not as strong as they were four years ago."
Kay added that Joseph and Brown opting to remain in Japan suggested the pair know the opportunity to coach the All Blacks may present itself again and at a "more appealing time".
Questioning Foster's ability to evolve, Kay said the All Blacks could benefit more from Robertson's unorthodox approach should he be appointed as the new head coach.
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This article first appeared on nzherald.co.nz and was republished with permission.
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Latest Comments
Weres Hellhound posts, has he been banned or something.
Himeno has a year in SR with worst NZ team and lost in the TT Final, he was really good for such a one off showing. Definitely has the ability to be up their with those names if he wanted to more away from the JRLO.
Go to commentsJoking. Half joking. He would have been much better than Foster still imo, team is playing much better despite still being a lot to cry about.
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