Historically, New Zealand franchises are the most dominant in Super Rugby, with a Kiwi side having won 12 of the competition’s 19 titles to date.
However, since 2007 the Bulls (three times) and the Reds in 2011 have been crowned champions.
With the exception of the Chiefs, New Zealand teams have made an underwhelming start to this season’s competition.
Based on previous history and current form, that could mean four of the five coaches could be without jobs at the end of the season if things don’t improve.
Here is a breakdown of each coach’s chances of retaining their job.
Sir John Kirwan – Blues
Played: 20
Won: seven
Lost: 13
John Kirwin was a champion All Black and is a very popular Kiwi because of his brave stance on depression issues.
Despite having the worst record of the New Zealand coaches, his chances of survival are quite high. The Blues have unearthed some exciting local talent during Kirwin’s tenure, like Tevita Li, Frank Hali, Charles Piutau and Steven Luatua.
However they are terrible starters, lack depth in their tight-five and haven’t solved the question of who will play first-five.
They have played three of their first four games on the road and will improve if they find some consistency.
Kirwan has time on his side.
Employment prospects in 2015: High.
Mark Hammett – Hurricanes
Played: 52
Won: 22
Lost: 28
Drawn: two
Tumbling home attendances, a forward pack often in retreat and calls in the local media for the coach’s head suggest life is tough for Mark Hammett.
The Hurricanes have plenty of talent, with 13 internationals in their squad, but have started poorly this season to go with their finishes of eighth, ninth and 11th in the last three years.
The Hurricanes appear to lack a coherent game plan, making several changes each week and struggling to find the right balance in attack.
With eight games left against New Zealand franchises – historically tough games to win – their chances of making the playoffs appear very slim.
Employment prospects in 2015: Extremely low.
Todd Blackadder – Crusaders
Played: 87
Won: 55
Lost: 27
Drawn: three
Four semi-finals and a narrow defeat to the Reds in the 2011 final is a respectable record, but remember the Crusaders are the most fabled franchise in the competition, with seven titles.
Without a title since 2008, Crusaders fans are restless. There is a feeling things are tired in Christchurch.
The backline appears slow and attacks too laterally. It also lacks a real game-breaker in the midfield; remember Sonny Bill Williams was the second-five three years ago.
The forward pack has the ability and experience to dominate any team in Super Rugby, but they are playing far from their best at the moment.
With 18 All Blacks in their squad, anything less than a title would increase pressure on Blackadder.
However with a tough draw ahead and the Sharks, Chiefs, Brumbies and Waratahs all firing, the prospects of winning another title appear slim!
Employment prospects in 2015: Reasonably low.
Jamie Joseph – Highlanders
Played: 51
Won: 21
Lost: 30
The Highlanders haven’t made the semi-finals since 2002 and have had only three winning seasons in the last 11 years. In 2013 they were awful, finishing 14th.
In 2010, Joseph negotiated a clause into his contract that states he cannot be fired because of the on-field performance of his team. That’s a bit like a bus driver getting a job without a licence!
The performance clause saved Joseph’s job last year, but how much longer can the Highlanders tolerate poor performances?
In 2014, the Highlanders have played an abrasive brand of rugby. They have a tough and durable pack, but they don’t know how to close-out games, go off boil too often and lack a dominant 10-12 combination.
Employment prospects in 2015: Reasonably low.
Rugby Fan
Guest
A lot more secure than 1 out of the 5 Aussies teams not winning . An the wallabies losing every game against top teams yet again . It's the same talk every year . Last year all we heard was how aus teams beat nz teams more in super rugby . Outcome - chiefs win super 15 , Abs win bledisloe an Rugby Chamionship an the Aussies win absolutely nothing . It's fine though its almost like a replay of a old comedy episode !!
felix
Guest
If the ball is knocked by an opponent out the grasp of the ball carrier it apparantly is not a knock on anymore,check again. . . .
AndyS
Guest
So you are saying every one of the NZ coaches are perfectly secure so long as one of the five teams wins and the ABs are OK...?
Rugby Fan
Guest
Lol - nz teams under pressure ? When was the last time Aus won anything in Rugby ? Pressures on the Aussies if anyone . Oh that's right Tahs already won the comp when they beat the Reds . How much pressure is Chieka going to be under when the Tahs finish middle table after telling the world there favourites to win the comp? Talk talk talk talk !!!!
RobC
Roar Guru
Its all about the coach. Rennie White McKenzie Schmidt have shown this quite clearly. However, there was one thing they had to their advantage. They coached underdogs I think coaches need to find ways to step up and manage established players / big personalities. I don't think its a case of players thinking they are better than their provisional team. Maybe its something else
ric
Guest
you might want to check that rules ,just been rule a non try by SANZAR,,
I can only see two ways of this working. Either leave it at 16 teams ( with the KIngs included) don't expand further and play a single round robin where everyone plays everyone. OR Allow each conference the right to expand or reduce their conference to what they deem fit. Give each nation a time when all conference matches must be completed and then have the top teams compete in a super 9.
felix
Guest
Agree with some points except, (THE LIONS SCORED A LIGIT LEGAL TRY ACCORDING TO THE RULES),so in no way can the ref be blamed for the Blues loss,find other reasons,you mite be in for a big shock in the Blues next game.
Die hard
Roar Rookie
You have no idea at how hard straws are clutched when you have been down so long. The eternal Aussie optimist prevails. Mate we have the shortest memories and the biggest sense of entitlement you have ever seen over here. Any glimmer a sparkle becomes. And the best way up is to knock down the opposition rather than build your own castle. Very early days. I liked a lot of the Blues play. Fixing the errors that let in a few soft tries and a decent ref and that game would have been transformed and so will they improve. Hickey looks good for them and Kaino is back. The Canes and Highlanders also can put on points and have. No floggings. Developing just fine for this time of year. Someone has got to lose after all. Their time will come. There is not a lot on over here rugby wise pre season except getting ready for the Super 15 and so the Aussies always start with a bang. Nothing unusual. There are often blowouts so the stats look good. The season rolls on.
west
Guest
good Grief, another article that will be biting someones backside. Blues will use the last few games as momentum. Win or lose, Cheetahs will be punished this time round threw share frustration. And a few key players back, Nonu, Kaino. The Blues lay a solid foundation to build from in the first half they will be tough to catch. Don't write the Hurricanes off to early either. NZ teams are all building strength. To write any NZ team off at this stage is pretty dumb. Even the Highlanders will start to scratch up more wins. Will they go all the way, doubt it. They may pull ahead of a few ozzie teams.
Sylvester
Guest
I just really don't like the idea of a coach who hasn't won anything in five seasons, unless it's a development project ala the Blues, getting re-resigned for another 3 years. The Crusaders have roughly 12 players who played for the ABs last year in their squad. 13 if you include Carter. Carter, McCaw, Franks, Whitelocks x 2, Bird, Crotty, Taylor, Read, Dagg, Romano, Crockett and Todd.
felix
Guest
Sylvester call it faith,fair to say he could turn it all around in 1 weekend.
Sylvester
Guest
Not sure Blackadder is under that much threat. Why though is beyond me. http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/8978392/Three-more-years-for-coach-Todd-Blackadder
Tigranes
Guest
The canes try count is boosted by their game against the cheetahs...don't forget that they lost at home to an Australian team and lost to an awful stormers side away Apart from that game against the cheetahs, the canes have been average...I never understood the canes, they have had teams full of champion all blacks, but never won the comp....they are the wests tigers of New Zealand rugby
felix
Guest
Great Digger I cant wait,I doubt anything I write would get published,I'm way too aggresive,I leave no stone unturned ;-) haha . . . .
Digby
Roar Guru
Thanks mate. I was struggling there to be honest ;)
felix
Guest
Dixon is the man ;-)
Digby
Roar Guru
Sounds good. Dixon for Hooker?
Digby
Roar Guru
He didn't do too bad with Wellington either. At the time i would have preferred him to Hammett to be honest. Still do actually.
felix
Guest
How does Brian Mujati sound?