Looking at the Blues’ record and prospects for the rest of this Super Rugby season is a grim exercise.
I can see only the Rebels and the Force as likely scalps, and I wouldn’t put money on either game, leaving the horrifying possibility of a winless season.
You can argue that the Blues haven’t been as bad as the doughnut in the win column would suggest, but there’s still a doughnut in the win column.
The question has become not if Sir John Kirwan will leave the Blues, but when – and who will be handed the poisoned chalice next?
Sir Graham Henry
The back-to-the-future option, Henry was recently sighted at Blues training, apparently for a TV documentary. He has three Super titles with the Blues, including in 2003 when he was technical adviser (I suspect the advice came thick and fast), as well as a smaller gold trophy from 2011. His involvement in the first two years of Kirwan’s reign might not have got JK off on the best foot however.
Against him is his age and willingness, does he want to take the job on?
Robbie Deans
Do I hear the sound of the contents of Waikumete cemetery revolving? It has been suggested that the man formerly know as ‘Dingo’ be brought in to sort out the Blues. While he did great things with the Crusaders, comments from the man himself have suggested he might have trouble putting his heart into the Blues.
There is also the matter of his ongoing contract in Japan and the spectre of a troubled reign at the helm of another of his old enemies.
Mark Hammet
Exited the Cardiff Blues with remarkable speed and is now back in New Zealand, ostensibly for family reasons. He’s comparatively young and energetic, and judging by his time at the Hurricanes not afraid to make harsh calls. His bitter medicine at the Canes didn’t result in any titles, but may have set them on an upward trajectory.
On the other hand he’s another man from Canterbury.
Tana Umaga
A widely respected personality who has brought Counties Manukau up into the top tier of the ITM cup since taking over as head coach. He has previously resisted overtures to join the Blues as an assistant but may think differently about a head coach role.
Colin Cooper
Didn’t set the world on fire with the Canes but he has Taranaki humming at ITM cup level and good experience with New Zealand Maori. He might be worth another crack at Super Rugby level.
Mark Anscombe
The former Auckland coach recently departed Ulster, with his biggest past achievement coaching the New Zealand U20s to the 2011 junior world championship. Auckland were competitive without being outstanding under Anscombe, while Ulster’s best finish was runners up in the pro12.
Biggest con is that the Blues need a real winner who can put boots up backsides, and he doesn’t fit the description.
Not considered
Joe Schmidt and Vern Cotter: good luck prizing them away from their respective national coaching positions.
John Mitchell: hard nosed but so many burning bridges.
Taylorman
Guest
Good to see another budding Blues trialist in Tuivasa-sheck is back in Auckland, unfortunately as a supposed $3M deal with the Warriors. Yet another example of the plundering of a Auckland talent.
john
Guest
1 reason Canes are going so well this year, is the last couple of years of Hammett's tough love
Eduardo Kawak
Guest
My understanding is that Piutau had signed a NZRU contract renewal, had told NZRU that he had signed it, but had not returned it to them. Then he signed the Ulster contract and tore up the NZRU one. That would definitely be a slap in the face for Hansen and co. And Piutau would certainly have been in a future AB squad, whether for the RC or RWC. No way back for him now he has effectively disrespected the jersey.
Good Game
Guest
Henry as technical advisor/data analyst and working on defensive structures Umaga as backs coach and working on attacking structures. As a left field selection, Cooper as head coach. Indeed his record with the Canes was a little above mediocre but he would have grown from this.
lassitude
Guest
Deans' success had something to do with Smith and Sloane - it had nothing to do with Hansen. The way he extended on what he took over was mostly him.
lassitude
Guest
correct. How did they ever let Rennie go ? Given that he'd just won an NPC. ANd later he didn't even bother applying for the Currystains when it became vacant after Cooper et.al. = despite the fact he's a Hutt boy and was coaching in the Currystains' catchment.
lassitude
Guest
That's what he was there for. Even former Hurricanes coaches sent him txts to congratulate him on things that they "should have done years ago".
apelu
Guest
I have been to some of the Blues training and to some of JK's sessions with players in development squads and I am not surprised at the poor record of the Blue: Kirwin has no idea about coaching, especially about psychology, about motivating players. He treats elite players like kids, and you can see that on the field. Good players that have come to the Blues have actually gone backward; they have no confidence; they are afraid of making mistakes. The Blues have the players, but they need a coach that can release the players to play to their potentials. JK is not that person. I think Umaga is the person.
Digby
Roar Guru
Yip, Ken Laban. Russell coached MSP here for a while from memory.
Not Bothered
Guest
I think after the Blues blame the coach abd sack him another half a dozen times it might dawn on them that its probably a bit more than that. I would have thought that was pretty obvious by now but look at this thread. Its like a broken record. Blame the coach and again and again and again and again and...
Jibba Jabba
Guest
A Celtic club man i think - and i redhead i recall or that may be his brother - and is that Kenny Laban 'on the board' - thought he was just a commentator and in my day in Wellington was a rugby league man !
zer0
Guest
As others have said, Keane as head coach with Umaga as backs coach -- and probably in some sort of mentoring role. Add in Anscombe as the forwards coach, and that sounds like the basis for a solid coaching set up. While that would setup the coaching side of things, there'd still be the issue of the inept orangutans on the franchise administration. If Keane is given the authority to do whatever he believes is necessary to reorganise the franchise, then I will look forward to the next few seasons. If not, well, he might as well just set fire to the joint, claim the insurance money and start all over again.
Akari
Roar Rookie
I was actually referring to the sinking Canes' ship under Hammett's control, Jerry, and my bad for not making it clear.
Digby
Roar Guru
Yip, he was Hawkes Bay coach a few years back.
Lindsay Amner
Roar Guru
Perhaps he should have kept it quiet until after the WC squad selection was announced. Why prejudice your chances of being selected?
Owen McCaffrey
Roar Guru
It will be Kevin Keane and Tana Umanga. Then Umanga will get his shot at the big time after a few years as an assistant coach.
Jibba Jabba
Guest
Is the Peter Russell ex Hawkes Bay ?
Jibba Jabba
Guest
I recall Hammett was one of the main issues at the "canes... hence the departures.
Gilbert
Roar Rookie
Why penalize Piutau for striking a lucrative deal? I'm sure the man has consult Shag & co prior to signing the deal. He's a vital member of AB squad to be left out in WC year. He's in his early 20s, the deal is just for 2 years. He can help all blacks defend WE this year and again in 2019. It's a win/win situation if dealt with common sense.
Akari
Roar Rookie
JP is an assistant coach with the Canes. Come to think of it, I don't think Diggercane would approve of JP's move anywhere just yet.