BY WYNNE GRAY
Picking John Mitchell as All Black coach is an expression of hope from the New Zealand Rugby Football Union.
Hope that this time they have got it right; hope that Mitchell is the man to lead New Zealand away from the rugby unease which has enveloped the country for the past four seasons; hope that this Waikato stalwart can find the World Cup that has eluded the All Blacks since 1987.
Mitchell does not have a massive depth of coaching credentials, but neither did Wayne Smith.
John Hart had a broken chain of coaching before he stepped up to the mark; Laurie Mains had been coaching forever but recorded a worse success rate than Smith.
What Mitchell has, though, is some international experience and success during a four-year spell with the England pack.
He also has the gifts to inspire Waikato B, the belief to pick an assorted collection of Chiefs players and inspire them to a respectable finish in the Super 12.
Once Smith hedged about his All Black future, he had to be replaced. The All Blacks had shown regular lapses in a variety of areas, and they had developed a mental block against the Wallabies. Smith had lost confidence, too, and expressed that diffidence.
With Smith gone, Tony Gilbert's chances diminished unless he could persuade the panel he should be an overall governor with a group of coaches.
However, the panel wanted a head coach and Mitchell was prepared to answer that call. Crusaders coach Robbie Deans was as well, and could have challenged Mitchell with his greater coaching experience in Canterbury and with New Zealand A.
But I believe the panel wanted to get more forward grunt into the All Blacks. They wanted the senior man to ignite and lead the campaign with the pack, and Mitchell fitted that description.
His coaching path was not long but it was strong. He also brought unyielding standards and may yet rival Smith for his outstanding work ethic.
Mitchell would have gone to the interview with his definite ideas. It is unlikely he would have altered his plans to suit the NZRFU. He is intense and wants to coach his way.
According to sources, he is technically strong, an astute organiser and a relentless worker. He is driven by success, he does not accept excuses, he is ruthless and has a fanatical passion for rugby.
This was Mitchell's time.
It was a brave decision from the appointments panel, a pleasant surprise even though it was clear from Smith's thinking that a change had to be made.
There will be a range of reaction about yesterday's choice from speculative to optimistic to redeeming.
It showed me that the NZRFU did not feel shackled by their usual traditions. They knew it was time to move.
A coach to put more grunt in forward pack
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