In Ngarimu’s first season as head coach (2013), the Bay conceded 240 points in finishing last. Last year the team treated fans to some scintillating rugby and let in only 168 points on the way to the Meads Cup (top four) semifinals.
However it all went pear-shaped this season as the Bay defence leaked 333 in eight games — an average of over 40 points.
Fitness levels not up by June“Last season we started training in February and made the top four. This season we didn’t start until June and looking at the video replays of our games you can see our fitness levels were not what was required,” Ngarimu said.
“It’s hard asking guys who work fulltime and have family commitments to come in early for training, as well as having their club sessions, but I’m looking at bringing in a core group of local players some time in February with a focus on fitness and improving skills.
“Defensively I still believe in our systems but at the end of the day defence comes down not just to the systems in place but to commitment, and having the fitness to work defensively as a unit.
“At times we had players falling off tackles. On other occasions one player would commit to the tackle but maybe the guy inside or outside the tackler wasn’t on the same wavelength.
“I don’t want that to come across as me putting all the blame on the players. As coach I accept that the buck stops with me, which is why I’m excited about being reappointed.
“Did last year knock my confidence as a coach? Absolutely not. I’m in coaching for the long haul and want to keep learning. I’m also a realist and know that coaches even at our level are judged on results, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
A fantastic experiencePoverty Bay coach Mutu Ngarimu said being assistant coach of the New Zealand Heartland 15 was a fantastic experience.
“I got to work with the best of the eligible players from Heartland teams all around the country.
“Having captained the Heartland team and now being assistant coach, I think it’s a great opportunity for players to wear the silver fern and get noticed by the bigger unions.
“Look at Michael Broadhurst — one season with the Bay, into the Heartland team and then off to Japan and eventually playing for Japan at the Rugby World Cup in London.
“There have been others, who have used the Heartland team as a stepping stone to higher honours. It’s a great concept.”
The Heartland XV squad, featuring East Coast midfield back TK Moeke and former Poverty Bay midfield back Moss Doran, played three games in six days last month.
They beat New Zealand Marist 47-42 in Masterton then lost twice to the Australian Barbarians — 38-32 in Levin and 40-24 in Wanganui.
“Playing three games in six days was a huge ask of the boys,” said Ngarimu. “You have to remember these guys are not professionals but you could see the pride every time they pulled on the black jersey.”
Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union chief executive Marty Davis said the union was “not happy as we know Mutu and his team were not happy” with this season’s results.
“But we believe Mutu has what it takes to develop into a top coach,” he said. “His potential as a coach was recognised when he was named as the assistant coach to the New Zealand Heartland XV coach (Grant Keenan).”
