All Blacks eye ‘clown’ Gatland as next coach

WARREN GATLAND will be considered as a future All Blacks coach after his success with the Lions in New Zealand. The 53-year-old Kiwi, who was depicted as a clown in the local media, could get the last laugh if the Lions’ performances on this tour propel him towards a job he has coveted, ahead of a list of contenders including former Scotland coach Vern Cotter and Joe Schmidt of Ireland. All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says he will step down after the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, but it is likely New Zealand Rugby will begin the selection process before then. Chief executive Steve Tew said: ‘I don’t know why a question about Warren’s inclusion even needs to be asked. Whatever happens on Saturday, this Lions tour has been a success. I don’t think losing on Saturday makes anyone a better or worse coach and Warren’s record to now already makes him a candidate. ‘Warren is an outstanding coach. He certainly wants to come back

to New Zealand one day and he aspires to be the All Black coach. Clearly, he’ll be considered.’ Gatland’s critics say his reputation for negative rugby could put the locals off but Tew is adamant Gatland is greatly admired by the people who matter in New Zealand. ‘Put Warrenball, or whatever anyone calls it, aside — Gats has been a bloody successful coach because he’s able to prepare teams to play different opposition, week in, week out, and win,’ said Tew. ‘We kicked the ball more in the first two Tests than the Lions — and nobody was calling it Hansenball, were they? ‘I’m sure Warren has won the public over, but maybe I’m cynical because I think what we hear is what the media want the public to think. I thought the clown stuff with Warren was really unnecessary. ‘As far as the Lions go, this group have done a very good job of connecting themselves on this

tour. They’re playing three games in seven days sometimes and it’s been bloody hard work.’ Saturday’s Test in Auckland will see the Lions go for a first win in New Zealand since 1971, but Tew dismissed the idea Hansen might not make it to the 2019 World Cup if he lost. ‘That’s ludicrous,’ he said. ‘A record is established over a long period. If we lose to a very good side, that doesn’t make a person a good and bad coach.’