Rugby: Always a Hawke's Bay boy

Hawke's Bay-raised Darren Shand has thrived in the role of All Blacks manager. Photo / Duncan Brown

It's ironic the two players who have given All Black manager Darren Shand the most grief during his 11 years at the helm have strong Hawke's Bay connections.

"They're joined at the hip and always want to room together. Cory is the father and Izzy the son," Hawke's Bay-raised Shand joked while recalling the 2011 World Cup incident involving former Magpies fullback Cory Jane and long-time Magpie Israel Dagg.

"I was a bit reluctant to place them in the same room particularly when they had that little hiccup [the pair broke a curfew and were spotted drinking at a Takapuna bar while under the influence of sleeping pills days out from the quarter-final against Argentina] but they work well together, feed off each other and they both played so well towards the business end of the tournament," Shand said.

Shand, 48, has split the pair up during this week's visit to Napier.

The St John's College product pointed out he is too focused on his role to get caught up in the emotion involved with bringing the ABs to McLean Park, rugby's HQ in his home province and where he spent a large chunk of his younger days watching rugby and cricket.

"It's nice for Mum and Dad," Shand said referring to his Hastings-based parents Jim and Ngaire.

In a way it reminds him of when he first worked for the NZ Rugby Union and he was one of four from his school on the staff. Neil Sorensen, Dean O'Shaughnessy and current Hawke's Bay Rugby Union CEO Mike Bishop were the others.

A former Hawke's Bay cricket and hockey rep, Shand stresses he is just "one cog in the ABs wheel."

"There's close to 20 of us involved in the running of the team. Everyone plays their part ... it's the power of many within the business."

However, he has every right to be proud of the record the ABs have had since he joined them in 2004; a winning percentage in the high 80s from 135 tests. In addition to the 2011 World Cup there have been five Tri Nations titles, two Rugby Championship titles, two grand slams against the home nations and several IRB team of the year awards.

Other highlights for the Christchurch-based father of two include the 2005 series win against the British and Irish Lions and last year's 38-27 win against the Springboks in Johannesburg.

"That was when I made that error [an incorrect entry on the team sheet which was spotted after 60 minutes play had elapsed] but it was neat to go to a hostile place like that and get that result," Shand recalled.

An average day for Shand during a Rugby Championship week like this one in Napier begins at 6am and ends at 8.30pm. He still manages to keep his own fitness levels up and usually fits in a cycle ride before breakfast.

"I've got better and wiser as we've gone along. I'm able to prioritise the crucial things and ask myself will it make a difference when we play on a Saturday."

His contract with the All Blacks finishes in March 2016. He has yet to decide on his next role. It's fair to bet Shand won't be short of offers.

Shand declined to name the Best XV from his stint as manager to date.

"I'll wait until I retire ... I'm a bit close to some of the contenders at the moment," he replied.

Needless to say he can expect some flak from Jane and Dagg if they don't make the cut.

Who does what?

Head Coach/Selector: Steve Hansen.
Assistant Coach/Selector: Ian Foster.
Selector: Grant Fox.
Manager: Darren Shand.
Assistant Manager: Gilbert Enoka.
Forwards Coach: Mike Cron.
Skills Coach: Mick Byrne.
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Nic Gill.
Analyst: Brian "Aussie" McLean.
Performance Analyst: Alistair Rogers.
Doctor: Dr Tony Page.
Physiotherapist: Peter Gallagher.
Manual Therapist: George Duncan.
Nutritionist: Katrina Darry.
Media Manager: Joe Locke.
Logistics Manager: Kevin "Chalky" Carr.
Team Services Manager: Bianca Thiel.