"Wai taking over as an interim coach was an option and we certainly had those discussions with her," says Netball NZ CEO Raelene Castle. "After she had some time to think about it she ultimately decided she needed some space to sort things through and decided that it wasn't an option to be considered. So then we decided to go with Ruth."
For her part, Aitken was unwilling to go into the specifics of how she ended up coming back, deferring all questions.
"I think you need to talk to Raelene about that," says Aitken. "I'm on the receiving end, not on the other end so it is more appropriate for her to talk [about that]. It was a case of them coming to me - asking me if I would continue on - but how that happened is Raelene's call."
After a family holiday in Australia, Aitken informed Castle and Taumanu of her intention to retire one month ago. Since then Taumanu admits to moments of doubt; wondering if she could actually do the job - or wanted to do the job.
"I have had moments of self-doubt frequently," says Taumanu. "There is some nervousness and trepidation but now I am going to put my hand up and see where that takes me. I would want to hand the group on in a better state than I find them. They are in a pretty good state now so there is some nervousness about making improvements."
She admits to thinking that she didn't want the job - "but having reflected I have decided to at least give it a go. There is a real sense of responsibility around this role and I need to be sure that is something I want to do. Now I feel as ready as I am going to be."
Taumanu freely admits the step from assistant to head coach would be "quite a big one".
"There are a myriad of other things that the head coach is involved in that the assistant coach wouldn't see, mainly to do with all of the people relationships with the franchises and Netball New Zealand," says Aitken. "The assistant has a much more focussed approach. It is a good stepping stone but it is not a prerequisite to being a good head coach. When I was appointed I hadn't been involved at that level."
Aitken was full of praise for Taumanu, but didn't offer the kind of endorsement one normally sees in these situations; the kind you imagine Graham Henry will probably deliver for Steve Hansen.
"I think the world of Wai," says Aitken. "I've loved working with her and she will be a very strong contender for the Ferns job. However it is not a one-horse race and I don't believe it should be. I hope we get a number of candidates that will be serious contenders."
Aitken also hopes ANZ Championship coaches put their hats in the ring.
"Franchise coaches should be thinking seriously aboutputting their hand up and being part of the process," says Aitken.
"That will make it a stronger decision whatever the outcome. An appointment process actually brings out interesting things when you talk to people about their vision for the Ferns and how they think it can be achieved."
For her part Castle was also emphasising that the decision was no fait accompli.
When told that from the outside it appeared that Taumanu was the only obvious candidate, Castle refuted that suggestion.
"That is from people who aren't close enough to netball," says Castle. "There are other people with significant coaching experience and have coached franchises successfully over a period of time. "
Appointing a person employed by an ANZ Championship franchise would appear to be less than ideal, but Castle denies it would be a problem.
"That would be an interesting process for us and we would work closely with the franchises to make sure they have the best outcomes for the franchises and for Netball New Zealand."
Despite the recent events, surely Taumanu remains the best candidate for the job. She has served two terms as assistant coach of the Ferns (1997-98 and 2008-11) and was withEngland at the 2003 world championships.
Undoubtedly she is a tough taskmaster - one current Fern spoke of players comparing notes in the team van after training on who copped the biggest blast - but commands widespread respect among the current squad.
"Wai would be more of a hands-on coach," says another recent Fern. "She does yell at you and can be constantly in your ear but she just wants to make you a better player. She has a real presence and I think the players would be excited to have her."
"While I have that [tough] reputation, I would also hope that my style is effective," says Taumanu.
"[As head coach], there would be minor modifications for individual players around how they respond best but it is unlikely that I would make major changes to my approach. I am intense, passionate and I want to win and my style is a reflection of that."
