Rugby: Under construction: the new Blues

New Blues head coach Tana Umaga is short on sweeping and optimistic statements. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Coach Tana Umaga is part of new foundations for troubled franchise

The sun shone brightly on Alexandra Park yesterday morning as Tana Umaga began his tenure as Blues head coach.

Next season he and the Blues will be based full-time at the racecourse in a high-performance centre combined with administration offices.

There are signs of construction of that facility - into which the Blues will make a welcome move from their current run-down base at Unitec in Mt Albert.

And, as Umaga told a media conference of the challenges ahead, here, too, foundations were being built.

There were no sweeping and optimistic statements that we were used to hearing from Umaga's predecessor, Sir John Kirwan. Instead there was caution from a man who appears to know exactly what he is getting himself into - a cornerstone for a franchise which has looked shaky this year, amid approaches to Tabai Matson, a current Crusaders coach, and a board split down the middle over whether to keep or jettison Kirwan.

Umaga, who began with a humble and moving tribute to the late Norm Berryman, a man whose death follows hard on the heels of Umaga's cousin Jerry Collins', represents a fresh start for the Blues.

The key to his success will be whether or not he can get through to his players, an area in which Kirwan failed. Another key is the development of young talent in the wider Blues region and it is one which he has made a priority.

First, though, will be the task of turning around the franchise's appalling run of recent results. This season there were three victories, none away from home.

"Our winning record would probably help, but there's a lot that goes into that," Umaga said, when asked what needed to change first. "I've never been big on making bold statements and talking a lot. It will come down to our actions and that's what we need to be wary of.

"When I was growing up the Blues were the team you always wanted to beat. They are steeped in history, they've had greats come out of this region. For me I always thought the Blues should be the strongest. We have a great base here in terms of a player-base. Holding on to that is probably the biggest issue for us but hopefully we can rectify that and keep the ones we want."

On a personal note, he said: "To be the best you've got to put yourself out there and really challenge yourself and take opportunities as they come about."

The challenges will come thick and fast for Umaga, a former All Black captain who has committed to remaining as Counties coach this year - it will be interesting to see how he responds to the scrutiny.

It is important to remember the problem of the dysfunctional board. While Umaga needs a united franchise to succeed, he is not guaranteed one. Blues chairman Tony Carter, sitting alongside Umaga yesterday, admitted there were serious issues yet to be resolved there.

"There are still a few personal tensions on the board, I will be the first to admit that, but we will work that through over the next few months."

Welcome to the Blues, Tana.