Exodus of All Blacks leads to a Hart attack

Sam Broomhall

John Hart, one of those criticised in Justin Marshall's recently released book, has paid tribute to Marshall and says New Zealand rugby shouldn't have let him go.

Hart says that, in spite of the current coaching panel's efforts to broaden and deepen the All Black base, there are still gaps in depth and halfback was one.

"If you look at the All Black line-up, Byron Kelleher becomes an absolutely key player now. He has to take ownership of the role and he has to play a bigger leadership role within the All Blacks."

While Hart said he had no doubts about Kelleher's ability to do so, he was less sure that those underneath Kelleher did and there was a big question mark if Kelleher got injured. Last week, the All Blacks named Piri Weepu as back-up to Kelleher and said he'd be working on his passing game while in the All Black camp.

While Hart declined comment on Weepu's rivals, most rugby judges have Auckland's Steve Devine as the next in line and as the best passer in the country, although perhaps not as physically equipped for the job. Kevin Senio is a prospect but perhaps not beyond that at present, while Jimmy Cowan seems to have slipped back after being sent home from the Junior All Black tour of Australia and after perceptions that his pass might be the slowest of the contenders.

However, even though Marshall climbed into Hart's coaching in his book, Hart praised the big Canterbury halfback's influence on New Zealand rugby.

"I think he has been a very, very combative player and a good player for the All Blacks. He's a huge loss, particularly as he has demonstrated that he is still effective.

"I'd rate his loss up there with Andrew Mehrtens and Carlos Spencer. The New Zealand rugby public might not be feeling it right now but I'd say that our depth is still a major issue for New Zealand rugby."

Hart said New Zealand rugby had to come up with more ways of helping experienced players no longer likely to make the All Blacks to remain in New Zealand by getting them involved in a wider sense. While New Zealand could not compete with some of the money being offered overseas, he had talked to expatriate players while in Britain coaching Jonah Lomu's XV at the Martin Johnson testimonial.

"They're all telling me it's not just about the money - that if money in New Zealand was a little better, then things like lifestyle come into it.

"It's about losing players like [former All Black and Canterbury No 8] Sam Broomhall. We should be able to find a way where a bloody good player can be paid extra to stay and go to other provinces to play and spread his expertise. We can't afford to keep losing this type of player towards the end of their career."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY