'We're getting closer': Proud Les Kiss determined to focus on positives out of Blues defeat
Queensland have pushed the Hurricanes and the Blues giving the Reds coach confidence they can match it with the top teams.
Blues’ coach Pat Lam has deflected questions about his post-2012 ambitions, saying his focus is on preparing his side for this week’s Super Rugby clash.
Lam is in his fourth year with the Blues, but it looks like being his last after the Auckland-based franchise announced on Wednesday that the position for 2013 would be advertised now rather than after an end-of-season review.
Semi-finalists last year, the Blues’ fortunes have spiralled downhill this season.
They are bottom of the table with just one win from 10 matches ahead of an encounter with fellow strugglers the Lions in Auckland on Friday night.
Lam, 43, declined to say whether he would reapply for the post.
“I have a job to do this week and that’s the most important thing,” he said.
“I’m contracted to finish this off. We know where we’re at. We’re working hard to get a win and I will just continue doing my job.”
His reaction to the board’s decision was that “they have to do what’s right by the Blues”, and he was “all good” about the future for himself and his family.
“Whether we’re here next year or somewhere else, it’s exciting,” he said.
Blues’ chief executive Andy Dalton said the decision to advertise now was based on team performance.
“It was felt the best way forward is to get the position out there for 2013 and get the best coaching group together that we can,” he said.
He added that the position would be open to New Zealand and foreign coaches.
Dalton and Blues’ board chairman Gary Whetton met Lam on Tuesday night to pass on the news.
“I don’t think he was surprised but it was a tough call,” he said.
“We’re all hurting for him. He’s a good man.”
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.
Queensland have pushed the Hurricanes and the Blues giving the Reds coach confidence they can match it with the top teams.
Queensland led by seven late in the game, but conceded two late tries to the Kiwi side who claimed a late victory.
The Queensland winger was making his starting debut and he made his tries look like he was a veteran in that position.
Queensland led by seven points with six minutes remaining but the Kiwi side scored two tries - one after the 80 minutes to snatch…
But the winger's three tries weren't enough as the Blues stole a late win 41-37.
The Queensland centre created the try out of nowhere with a perfect chip and chase to find the flying winger to run away and…