England – not NZ – for Gatland, say Kiwis
THE New Zealand rugby press have Wales coach Warren Gatland on their seven-strong list to take the reins of the All Blacks after next year’s World Cup in Japan.
But they rate the Kiwi a better punt to succeed Eddie Jones as England supremo than return to his homeland and replace Steve Hansen at the current back-to-back world champions.
Former Wales coach Hansen is expected to make an announcement on his future before Christmas after taking over the All Blacks job from Graham Henry following their 2011 World Cup success.
Joe Schmidt was highly-fancied to replace the former policeman should Hansen move on.
But the mastermind behind Ireland’s rise to No.2 in the global rankings, and their 2018 Six Nations Grand Slam, is poised to take a break from the game for family reasons in 12 months’ time.
He remains on the All Blacks radar, and, alongside current assistant coach Ian Foster, among the favourites to succeed Hansen.
But the New Zealand Herald haven’t ruled Gatland out of the running, just a week after Rugby Football Union interim chief executive Nigel Melville said he would be speaking to the Lions boss over succeeding Eddie Jones in the England hot-seat.
Alongside Gatland, Schmidt and Foster, the New Zealand Herald also have Crusaders boss Scott Robertson, former All Black Jamie Joseph, Glasgow supremo Dave Rennie and ex-Scotland overseer Vern Cotter the main contenders.
And their rugby writer Liam Napier, said of Gatland’s chances of netting the top job: “In 12 years he delivered three Six Nations titles, two with Grand Slams, and the World Cup semi-final defeat to France in which Sam Warburton received his infamous red card.
“Gatland’s record against Southern Hemisphere nations has, however, been poor; 39 per cent (24/61) with 17 of those wins coming against the Pacific Island nations, Argentina, Namibia and Uruguay.
“Last year’s drawn British and Irish Lions in New Zealand will forever be a feather in Gatland’s cap, as is the 2-1 series victory in Australia.
“Gatland has suggested he will return home to spend more time with family next year, but also appears well in the frame to succeed (Eddie) Jones.
“Don’t mention “WB” but Gatland’s favoured style – the physical, war of attrition template successfully used with Ireland, Wasps, Waikato, Wales and the Lions – certainly suits England’s athletes more than the All Blacks.
“Adding to this theory is the fact RFU interim chief executive Nigel Melville appointed Gatland as Wasps forwards coach in 2002.
“While 22 of his 29 years coaching has been spent abroad, from a New Zealand perspective Gatland’s extensive experience must hold value in some capacity.
“In terms of the All Blacks, that extended time away will no doubt count against Gatland and it is unknown who he would partner with but he should at least be in the conversation.”
Gatland will call time on his Wales career at the conclusion of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, with current Scarlets boss Wayne Pivac succeeding him.