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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.
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.