Rugby: Highlanders fait accompli would disappoint

Steve Hansen. Photo / Getty Images

A hand-holding role is Steve Hansen's most likely involvement with the Highlanders.

He would take on a larger role only if the appointment board believes none of the other applicants are up to the job.

Such lack of faith would be harsh and ultimately damaging given the quality of men thought to have thrown their hat into the Highlanders' ring.

Those vying for the vacant position include Jamie Joseph, Dave Rennie, Bryce Woodward and possibly one or both of the Southland pairing of David Henderson and Simon Culhane. All have delivered results and consistency through their various teams.

Should Hansen be installed as head coach, those attempting to win the job through the front door will have two sharp reasons to be bitter.

When word first leaked last week that Hansen was a possibility, Highlanders chairman Ross Laidlaw knew nothing about the All Black assistant's potential involvement. Yet All Black coach Graham Henry confirmed there was substance to the speculation Hansen could be head coach.

Conversations have taken place between upper management of the New Zealand Rugby Union and the All Black coaches about how the trio best occupy themselves throughout next year's extended Super15.

"Without the June test window, they are not going to have hands-on access until July - that's too long. One idea was a formalisation of their existing arrangements where they all visited the five franchises for two weeks this season," said NZRU general manager of professional rugby, Neil Sorensen.

"That could see Steve [Hansen] doing the Crusaders and Highlanders, say, and Smithy [Wayne Smith] doing the Chiefs and Hurricanes. That was one line of thinking but nothing has been agreed."

Clearly, Henry has a different take, or was he simply testing reactions to the possibility of Hansen being head coach? Either way, what are those applying in good faith supposed to think? Has the outcome already been decided?

Hansen has innovative ideas around the tactical approach. He is technically good and, most importantly from a Highlanders perspective, he's a players' coach - expert at reading the mood and finding the right tone.

But the issue is not with his suitability for the role - it is the perception that a back room deal has been discussed, if not agreed.

If he does emerge as the Highlanders head coach, the injustice of the process will eventually give away to a darker realisation from the other candidates that a year has been wasted.

Hansen wants to be the All Blacks head coach after the World Cup, so if he's successful, he'd have to give up the Highlanders. The job would be opened again but who will still be around?

An even darker thought is that, if Hansen is installed now, he'll have a guarantee of a job in New Zealand after the next World Cup - a safety net should his All Black aspiration not be fulfilled.

Common sense has to prevail and the undoubted talents of Hansen should be used appropriately by the struggling franchise. He could be an excellent mentor for a less experienced coach; a good voice to be used to gee up a forward pack that has ability but drifts out of games too easily.

The other candidates are just too good to be let down. Rennie in particular has been one of the unsung coaching stars, taking the New Zealand under-20s to two consecutive titles.

His impact at Manawatu has been significant. He answered a mercy call in June 2006 when the Turbos were left coachless on the eve of the provincial championship. With Rennie at the helm, Manawatu have steadily improved, exceeding expectations last year with four wins.

Woodward is another who has worked below the radar, but those who know coaching rate the current Northland supremo highly. Like Rennie, Woodward has been involved with national age-grade sides in recent seasons and has done much to shape the careers of many promising players.

He has applied for both the Highlanders head coaching role and the assistant backs role at the Blues. He also says he would welcome some input from Hansen or any of the other All Black coaches.

"I have got a lot of respect for the All Black coaches," he said. "You see them around and to be honest, I would welcome their involvement. The question I suppose is 'would Steve's involvement be good for the Highlanders?' And the answer to that is yes."