Editorial: All applicants please apply within

In 1977 at Toulouse, the All Blacks were shunted and shoved to defeat by a dominant French pack. The loss rattled Jack Gleeson, the New Zealand coach. In the week leading up to the second and final test, he endured sleepless nights as he sought to fashion a new strategy. In all likelihood, he also suffered periods of self-doubt as he reflected on the tactics employed in the first test. Never, however, were those doubts imparted to his players or their rookie captain, Graham Mourie. Confidence abounded as, armed with a strategy of spreading the ball, the All Blacks ran the French off the Parc des Princes to record a famous victory.

Visible indications of self-doubt have never been part of the makeup of the best All Black coaches. Indeed, it is difficult to conceive of Fred Allen, J. J. Stewart or Brian Lochore questioning their ability. Such self-belief is, in fact, almost a prerequisite of successful coaching in any sport. Sometimes, it can be present to an almost obnoxious degree. Take Brian Clough, the hugely successful coach of Nottingham Forest in English soccer.

And in the same arena, take the case of Kevin Keegan, a man stricken with self-doubt even as he managed England. Eventually, that trait - altogether human and even desirable in many other walks of life - led Keegan to flee the job. He recognised that his fragility inevitably affected the England players. Keegan simply could not convey the authority that springs from unequivocal self-belief. It is surely significant that his successor, Sven Goran Eriksson, a man with no such qualms, has transformed England into a team confidently eyeing success in the next World Cup.

There is a message in this, of course, for Wayne Smith and those who will choose the next All Black coach. In the wake of the loss to Australia in Sydney, Smith lost his self-belief. He admitted as much to the rugby union's review committee. "At times, when I sit down and think of another two years I break into a cold sweat," he told the luminaries on that panel. Men such as Sir Brian Lochore, John Graham and Tane Norton were hardly likely to be impressed. Accordingly, they recommended that the coach's job be advertised.

It matters little that Smith now claims to have recovered his equilibrium. The damage has been done. As Smith vacillated, his ability to provide strong leadership vanished. Additionally, of course, there is the question of the All Blacks' record in the two years that Smith and Tony Gilbert have had charge. Here again, the review panel was clearly not convinced. Nor should it have been. In the two crunch matches during that period, both against the world champion Australians, the All Blacks lost in the dying minutes. Defeat came down to a lack of composure, reflected in an inability to do the basics. To blame that failing on the players is to make light of the influence wielded by the coach.

Yesterday was the deadline for applying for the job of All Black coach. The rugby union has not released the names of the applicants. It is known, however, that John Mitchell and Wayne Shelford will be strong contenders. Peter Sloane, Robbie Deans and Gilbert are also expected to apply. Fortunately, in declining to rubber-stamp Smith, the review panel has signified that it will bring a clear eye to the qualities needed for the All Black coach.

The team requires a man with utter self-belief, decisiveness and strong leadership qualities. A man who will probably demand the job on his own terms. A man with enough experience to recognise that the All Blacks' approach needs to be simplified. A man not afraid to be innovative. A man who will get the best out of the players. The choice should not be too difficult.