New all black coaching set up

Some of the papers are talking about a combination of Hansen (head coach) with Joe Schmidt (Leinster) and Cotter (Clermont). Any thoughts?

I've heard from a pretty good source Foster will be in the mix. And I don't like that at all. Would love Kirwan as a backs coach-maybe Joseph for the forwards. I can't see Foster enhancing the creativity and dynamism of the backline at all really.

How long is left with Schmidt' contract? I believe he could also be a candidate to coach the Lions, should he stay on these shores.

blackcanelion wrote:Some of the papers are talking about a combination of Hansen (head coach) with Joe Schmidt (Leinster) and Cotter (Clermont). Any thoughts?

Wow, they are some interesting calls

what was your source?

The big news for me is that Richie McCaw turned down a knighthood. It didn´t sit well for him that he was still playing the game.

As for Hansen, he would do well to get a good assistant. Wayne Smith and Ted are impossible to replace. But he needs someone with fresh ideas. Mike Cron, in saying that, should stay as scrum coach. I agree chilly that Ian Foster seems about a tasty prospect as the beer...

Respect to Richie M, hope he's offered again

I´m sure he will be offered it again in the future. He has never been tempted by overseas offers or had a few months away like Carter. No doubt Henry will be sir Graham in the new year.

Hansen has a big ask though. We´re world champs finally again but that just adds motivation to the opposition to beat you.

I don't think it'll make that much of a difference in terms of the motivation. A lot of teams have never beaten us so that will be there and NZ are always right at the top of the tree in terms of scalps.

I'd say NZ played like the world champions the most during their only reign. Aussie did pretty well from 99-03, winning the Lions series, two 3N and keeping the BC under lock and key. Would probably be the second most successful reign as champions. You can't go past 50 games unbeaten though. I saw that streak end in person. I wanted to go to Phil Kearns' barbie too.

Let's hope Hansen does well. Interesting he's only going to have one assistant. Please don't take Foster. Please. I think Cron's leaving. I wouldn't have Byrne either.

Cron´s leaving! That´s not good news. Foster would be a crazy choice. I heard an Aussie Rules guy was in the running too to step up to assistant from kick and catch coach. He certainly did wonders for the high ball horrors in 2009. Now we yum up the highball like Pacman.

That's Byrne Kia. He could think outside the square and open up a few backlines but if there is only going to be one assistant then I don't think he's the man for the job.

Maybe he won´t be assistant but still will be used as a specialist coach. I´m not sure if he´s being forced to have only one assistant or that´s his choice. If it´s the latter, he´s mistaken.

Hansen as expected Head Coach,a Assitant Coach,plus 3 or 4 specialist coaches will be appointed.Mike Cron may still be available on a consultative basis.
Hope John Kirwan is in the mix but probably too soon for him yet,Hansen
has a settled squad.With plenty of options coming thru loose forwards especially 7.
Better than for many years,a balanced locking partnership with two genuine
line out options .Is an option not available for many years,backs many young guns nipping round the fringes plus the near misses.
Expect mor e or less business as usual,if they can win a RWC with a 4th choice FH,a injured SH,and a 7 on one leg.
They should be formidable with a fully fit side.

Well Ian Foster is the Assistant Coach and Byrne is the specialist skills coach and Grant Fox is a selector. Aussie McLean is defence coach.

Ian Foster didn´t really impress much with the Chiefs but he made a good impression with the now defunct Junior All Blacks alongside Colin Cooper.

Time will tell but for some of these guys this is a major step up.