Haden locks his sights on All Black role

By CHRIS RATTUE

Andy Haden, the controversial former test lock, wants to be the next All Black manager.

The 49-year-old Haden has talked to new All Black coach Wayne Smith and assistant Tony Gilbert who he said told him it was a good idea to apply.

Haden is an ally of former coach John Hart, who quit after the World Cup fiasco. He could turn the manager's position into a far more influential and high-profile one than it has been.

Haden played alongside Cantabrian Smith in the All Blacks from 1980 to 1985, but has not met Gilbert.

Haden was one of the finest players of his era, a test player from 1972 to 1985. He said yesterday that he had been inspired to seek the job when he saw the New Zealand Rugby Football Union was advertising the position, rather than offering it to a board member.

"I think I can make a difference," said Haden. "I have been thinking about it since I saw the advertisement, which made me realise they were casting their net around to try and find the best person for the job.

"I believe the young men who play for the All Blacks deserve that because they are asked to continually give their best."

The Aucklander said he hoped that he would be judged on what he could do, rather than where he was from and who his friends were.

Haden sent his CV yesterday to the executive employment company which will initially assess the candidates looking to succeed Mike Banks, the rugby union board member who was Hart's manager. Banks has declared himself out of the running.

The decision is expected to be announced in March.

Haden is regarded as one of the pioneers of the professional, well-organised attitude which enabled Auckland to take command of New Zealand rugby in the 1980s and 1990s.

The 41-test forward was a master of controlling lineouts and games, but was as well-known in the so-called amateur era for promoting the rights of players to earn money. He was also a central figure in the 1985 Cavaliers tour of South Africa, and in an infamous lineout dive in the 1978 test against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park. He is now involved in sports-celebrity management.

Meanwhile, the NZRFU is expected to announce today that North Harbour's Peter Thorburn will return as an All Black selector.