It looks like the Fairfax Propaganda machine is in full operation, designed to soften the audience to accept what is an outrageous fact. There is no investigative coverage involved here, no attempt to ask the many questions posed by this convoluted farce.
The story goes like this …
“In demand: Graham Henry could lose both assistants Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen, if reports out of Wales are true. The NZRU are hoping that’s not the case.”
Henry reapplied as part of a Triumvirate, as one, for the top job after failing to win the 2007 RWC: it has never happened before.
The Henry Triumvirate was then reappointed to the top job: it has never happened before.
All three keep Deans out (he does not operate as a Triumvirate), who most people thought would automatically take over from a RWC losing coaching staff.
This Triumvirate distinction of the way Henry and Deans operate is strongly supported by the many reports of key players.
Mr Tew is “not panicking over reports Steve Hansen will join Wayne Smith in defecting to Ospreys.
‘It depends what you mean by an offer,’ Tew said, suggesting that Ospreys were making approaches to a wide range of coaches.
The Swansea club has made Smith an impressive offer that the backs coach has confirmed he will consider after the November tour to Britain and Ireland.
There have since been reports that Hansen might shift with Smith.”
‘All of New Zealand’s top coaches were vulnerable to lucrative overseas job offers. Quite a chunk of New Zealand coaches are coaching international sides Nothing’s changed quite frankly’, says Mr Tew.
He trots out the examples:
“Vern Cotter coaching in France, New Zealanders are in charge of Japan, Canada, Australia and Wales.”
He actually mentions Australia, as if that scenario was just a run of the mill case of a coach with a lucrative offer that the NZRU could not match.
What brazen deceit!
It was reported that the Triumvirate were convinced that they were the best people to take the All Blacks to the 2011 RWC; they had unfinished business to perform.
It was a huge decision.
However, Deans had special credentials for the All Black job and despite his aberrant treatment of Umaga, his record was so special it could not be ignored by the NZRU.
Deans wanted to coach the All Blacks.
He knew the ARU were offering him over a million Australian dollars annually. But he still wanted to coach the All Blacks. For him, it was not about the money.
Tew goes on:
“In an ideal world these guys were appointed till the end of 2009 – to date they have done an outstanding job in 2008 and we would like them to carry on and fulfil their commitment. But we are also mindful that they have earned the right to decide their futures.”
These guys were appointed until 2009 because the NZRU wanted the option open in case of poor results (the same would apply to Deans).
Of course these guys have a right to decide their future.
The impression that the public was given was that the Triumvirate was committed to the All Blacks until 2011. However, the latest revelations by Smith reveal that he actually wanted to quit.
Smith says that he “never applied for the job but wanted to be loyal to Graham Henry and the guys who supported them, who wanted us to apply: the players, the management, and the employees of the NZRU.”
Smith was not even committed to 2009.
There is no question now that this Triumvirate should never have been reappointed because Deans was as good if not better and provided the complete package. He was not applying as a Triumvirate.
Not only has Deans now committed to Australia, but also huge amounts of ‘know how’, intellectual, and inside knowledge have been lost to a Rugby Union that has no scruples.
The only way to understand Tews pathetic defence of Smith is as a desperate attempt to save his own job and face.
“In Smithy’s case he has been a very loyal servant to New Zealand since 1997. Apart from the break he had at Northampton (after he was sacked from the All Blacks) he has been the Crusaders coach from 1997-99 and has been in the All Blacks environment since 1999. My personal view is that he has the right to decide what’s best for him and his family at whatever time he decides it.”
Mr Tew, resign your post with the NZRU immediately.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
All Blacks star Jordie Barrett has announced a sabbatical to play with Irish club Leinster at year's end, while committing his future to New…
There are those who will forever play the man - and not the ball - where TJ Perenara is concerned. The All Blacks and…
I well remember the day a New Zealand Rugby staffer put their hands on me. It seems I’d made them angry.The Wellington Sevens was…
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have described the players' union call for the board to step down while governance reforms are carried out as a…
I am a rugby fan hanging on by a thread to a game I have followed for over 50 years. It brought immense joy,…
Waratahs' Will Harrison says he has an itch to play for the Wallabies now he's back from a 92-week rehabilitation from multiple knee injuries.…
