Harbour hard man to shape Blues forwards

Just one piece of the 2017 coaching jigsaw remains to be fitted.

As expected, North Harbour coach Steve Jackson is the new Blues assistant coach. He will take charge of the forwards, succeeding Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore, who was off contract. Auckland’s Nick White has lost his scrum coach role after it was disestablished.

Jackson had previously worked well with Blues coach Tana Umaga at Counties Manukau, culminating in Ranfurly Shield success and the 2013 Premiership semifinals. Jackson helped take the Steelers forward pack from being a talented group prone to flimsiness to a physical unit who excelled at set- piece.

“I had to go through a process, like everyone else, and I was just thankful that I was successful. I’m looking forward to getting that relationship going again with Tana, because I know what he brings as a coach,” Jackson said.

“I’ve had a bit to do with [ fellow Blues assistant and defence coach] Alastair Rogers too and I like what he brings to the table.”

Right now, Jackson has his hands full as he seeks to guide North Harbour into the Mitre 10 Cup Championship semifinals. His threeyear deal with Harbour is up after the competition ends next month, and it was always felt, once Umaga was elevated to the Blues head coaching position last year, that Jackson would graduate to the Blues by 2017.

Jackson will bring a no- nonsense approach to a Blues pack slowly regaining respect.

He brings a solid working knowledge of the talent within the Blues region, having guided the Blues Development XV to an unbeaten record since 2014.

Blues high performance manager Tony Hanks explained some of the rationale behind the signing of Jackson.

“We want to ensure that people know that it’s not just about his links with Tana. Jacko got this job on merit. He has been involved with the Blues longer than Tana and has always been really invested in everything,” says Hanks.

There are just two places left to fill on the 2017 roster, with several Counties Manukau players such as Jimmy Tupou, Gus Pulu and Sonny Bill Williams having already hitched their carts to the Umaga wagon.

Prop Pauliasi Manu, who has returned from long- term injury, is also thought to be in their sights.