Rugby: Barry turning Harbour on track

Liam Barry and Jeff Wilson want players' and management's efforts to show on the scoreboard. Photo / Greg Bowker

Liam Barry has been involved in rugby coaching for a while now.

He's done six years within the Blues set-up in assistant capacities. Now he's wearing the big jacket and cheerfully admits he "can't wait" to get his teeth into the North Harbour job.

"It's good to take that [Blues] experience and what I've learned from a couple of good head coaches and try and apply it. That's the exciting thing, that there's a pathway there," he said.

Barry won't talk about it in terms of a more pressured position, "but in terms of running the whole programme we put out it's a nice challenge and trying to learn from what we've done in a higher professional environment at the Blues".

He could have done without the imbroglio surrounding Luke McAlister this week, coming so soon before their opening match against Otago in Dunedin last night.

Harbour are a union who've flattered to deceive for so long now that it sounds like a broken record. As an old Harbour man, Barry knows only too well their return has been below expectations.

"I know the perception and, in this case, it's certainly the reality, we've been underachievers and it's the players' challenge and ours as a management group to change that."

In public eyes, it boils down to results, although Barry also hopes for a change in attitude and commitment from his players and "consistency of action from these guys". Barry hopes Harbour enjoy the fruits of their players' time at the Blues this season.

"That's an absolutely key relationship and why it's so beneficial for us to have players in that environment.

"Look at Nafi Tuitavake, James King, Filo Paulo and Mat Luamanu. They've all grown hugely with their experience from the Blues.

"You're hell-bent on getting your players into Super 15 because the flow-on effects are immense."

Barry has former All Black great Jeff Wilson as his sidekick this year, Wilson filling the role he had with his old New Zealand teammate, Craig Dowd, last season.

Irrespective of the outcome of last night's game, Harbour will be determined to make the most of their first game at North Harbour Stadium, against Tasman next Tuesday,

All teams will value getting that first win under their belts. Apart from the obvious reasons, Harbour will want to give their fans some early cheer.

You also get the feeling that in a compressed campaign, if teams aren't careful they'll suddenly find four games gone in a blink and opportunities may be lost.

Barry had no problem choosing halfback Chris Smylie as his captain for the season.

Smylie filled in for Michael Reid halfway through last season and, to use an old-fashioned term, Barry likes the cut of his jib.

"He's experienced, a home-grown product and role model for Harbour kids and the public. He's worked hard on his own game and his leadership capabilities so it was a natural choice."

Smylie likes what he's seen so far. "There's a lot of positivity and the team seemed more united this year than previously," Barry said. "That's the vibe I'm feeling."

As Smylie wasn't required often by the Blues this year, he's like his coach - itching for action.

"At this time of year, usually a lot of the Super rugby boys are complaining because they're a bit sore. But I'm feeling pretty fresh and ready to go."