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John Hart's plan to end the Blues' 'endemic failure'
By Online Editors
Former All Blacks coach John Hart, recently appointed to the Blues board after a restructure, has revealed how he plans to turn the Super Rugby club around.
"We had a two-hour workshop where the chairmen, CEOs, high performance managers and coaches of Auckland, North Harbour, Northland and the Blues sat down with our board," Hart told Stuff. "I came away very heartened that we're going to look at how we could do things better, how our academies could work better, and how we could co-ordinate better. I don't think a lot of that has happened in the past."
After experiencing success during the early days of professional rugby, the Blues have struggled of late and have failed to make a playoff appearance since 2011. Their ninth-place finish last season was their best since that last finals appearance.
"None of us can hide from the fact that the Blues haven't performed for a number of years," Hart continued. "There was a cohesive approach around the board table to say 'how can we get better?' We want the Blues to win but we've got to be realistic: we're coming off a bad run and it's going to take some time.
"In the past, while there was contact between the top people, there hasn't been a cohesion. We can help with that, but it's the people in the organisation who have to make it work."
Hart believes new Blues head coach Leon MacDonald will be key, with his experience and success with the Crusaders and Tasman earning him the top role.
"He's a bright young coach with a lot of qualities. He was a good player, a good person and he's a good coach. If we all give him space and support he can make a wonderful contribution to the Blues long-term," Hart said.
MacDonald has taken over from Tana Umaga, who remains with the side as an assistant. The pair are joined by former North Harbour coaches Tom Coventry and Daniel Halangahu.
"They've got a really good team. Tom [Coventry] is a very good coach too and retaining Tana brings continuity and knowledge."
Hart is aware that the side won't transform instantly, but is confident that strides in the right direction have already been made.
"It's about getting performances on the field and rugby systems in place to create long-term success," adds Hart. "That's not going to happen overnight."
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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