Right-hand man for All Blacks

STANDARD BEARER: Darren Shand has a reputation for getting things done.

For Hawke's Bay's Darren Shand, last Sunday's dramatic Rugby World Cup win was one of the highlights of his time as All Blacks manager and he was still enjoying the glow of that gold winning medal. He has been in the role since 2004 and has experienced the highs and lows, and has enjoyed the challenge of helping create a remarkable winning team. Roger Moroney caught up with him this week as he was about to board a flight out of Auckland for Christchurch and the next leg of the great welcome home.

1 What is the most challenging part of your job as All Blacks manager?

You are dealing with people who are constantly under pressure and scrutiny. Pressure to be the very best. It can get a bit uncomfortable at times trying to get to the high standards.

2 Jim [his dad] said you beat him hands down when it comes to dotting the i's and crossing the t's. Have you always been tough on yourself to getting everything spot on ... and what's the secret to it?

Tough on myself, to a degree. But you can't be perfect and it's a waste of time trying to be. The last five to six years I've focused on the most critical things and that's the art to it. You need to nail those at a level that is beyond anyone else because the margins are so small in high-performance sport.

3 What would you have said back when you were a lad and someone suggested one day you would be working with the All Blacks?

I'd have said "you're a good comedian". It was never really on the radar as a dream job and I was just fortunate that my pathway led to this.

4 You have a great reputation for getting things done and sorting everything - but any "uh-oh" moments in your career with the ABs?

Oh yeah, that awful moment in South Africa (in 2013) when I got the wrong name on the players' names sheet - that was very embarrassing. But I knew Jean de Villiers [Springboks skipper] pretty well and he knew me and knew it was not something I would have done deliberately. And I knew the ref pretty well too - so building good relationships means alot.

5 Can you quickly list what you are called upon to do? Do you sort training fields, accommodation, travel etc?

It's a broad role. It is working closely with the coach and senior manager to make sure we have all the things we need - the best people to create an environment which can be successful. An environment they can all thrive in. The logistics side of things is only about 10 per cent of it.