I'm with shiznit on this. We are far too preoccupied with the World Cup that it becomes a haunt for us. The reason we are so tense about it is if you don't win the Cup, forget it, you're gone.
Some really good coaches with very good records have got the chop for it, and its unfair in my book. My opinion is the coach who gets a second World Cup opportunity for the All Blacks will win it. I'm glad Henry's getting that chance, and I expect him to get it.
Look at this list;
Grizz Wylie - 25 wins from 29 starts
Laurie Mains - 23 wins from 34 starts
John Hart - 31 wins from 41 starts
John Mitchell - 23 wins from 28 starts
Firstly, WTF... 29, 34, 41, 28 opportunities. And in those periods, barring Mains to an extent, they all built up exceptional records. All of them ended their tenures at the end of their respective World Cups either by choice or by public pressure. It creates tension, it closes minds to reality and creates an inability to see the forest for the trees. It creates myopia, sheer short term fear. Even this year, people are calling for Graham Henry's head... 59 wins from 71 starts. Where's the issue? It's obvious 1 or 2 areas are letting the team down, but he's an exceptional coach over a long period of time in many different environments, he's the best man to lead the next revolution required to return to the top.
As far as Robbie Deans goes, I've got no problems with the bloke, I also think he's an exceptional coach. He's doing what Graham Henry had to do, gone overseas to learn the nature of international coaching. Its far different from domestic coaching. He's getting grounding as he's probably the next cap off the rank. People forget Graham Henry served a far longer apprenticeship and had to go basically all around the world before getting recognition. Deans is doing the same. But fair dinkum, people say the NZRU are short sighted in their decision to reappoint Henry to a long term deal, but the facts are the ABs had a horrific refereeing performance against them, they'd played exceptionally prior to this, there's a bad history of shafting coaches in short sharp fashion post losing World Cup matches, and on top of it, there is no favouritism towards Henry going off the mere fact that Jock Hobbs, the Chairman of the NZRU is married to Robbie Deans' sister. Politically he had the Canterbury support and you would think Hobbs by nature of the family ties, but clearly the NZRU picked Graham Henry and he is the better man IMO.
Robbie Deans IMO has not covered himself in gold with the Wallabies, its a work in progress. Likewise Graham Henry didn't exactly cover himself in gold with Wales and the British Lions. It was a work in progress, it was a study opportunity. Perhaps the other bloke who would come under consideration against Deans at the end of the World Cup should Ted give it away is Warren Gatland, who is also doing the same apprenticeship that Henry had to do.
