The Blame Game

The coaches have come out publicly to say they were out-coached by Robbie Deans. They have admitted foolishly that they were unfamiliar with the ELV’s and are under going a learning phase. They also pointed out that the team they selected, lacked experience and poise at crucial times. Even the players have stepped forth to take some of the blame by saying things were too hectic to change the game plan.
Frankly, I have had a guts full of these excuses. I would prefer that Henry, Smith and Hansen just admitted that they are not good enough to coach the All Blacks. They weren’t good enough in the quarter-final in Cardiff. They weren’t good enough in Dunedin (vs the Boks). And they weren’t good enough for Robbie Deans in Perth. How much faith can a player have in these three men, if they keep getting it wrong?
I know I would have lost any respect for a coach who DICTATED that his tactics were far more superior than any others. Graham Henry has lost all credibility with his players. It’s the simple truth. These players will not put their bodies on the line, nor play with the passion and desire to compete at test level, for a man they no longer believe in.

It’s as plain as daylight. The players are simply checking in to collect their paychecks. I wouldn’t blame them. Sporting careers are very short and the opportunities overseas provide for far more lucrative offers with extended playing careers. Being an All Black now pays top dollar overseas – just look at the recent exodus of players – Chris Jack, Carl Hayman, Aaron Mauger, Luke McAlister, Nick Evans, Jerry Collins, Doug Howlett, Rico Gear, Tana Umaga, Justin Marshall, Byron Kelleher. Im sure the reason they left wasn’t just for the money. Its never just a pull factor. In most cases it’s a push.

The jersey is not worth playing for anymore – representing your country is no longer an honor. The All Blacks jersey has been devalued through rotation under the leadership of Graham Henry and that’s the saddest byproduct of his tenure. But who is really to blame? Yes it’s the NZRU. The body appointed to administer the game of rugby union at the National Level.

I find it perplexing that the number 1 priority of the NZRFU in 2007 was to “win the Rugby World Cup” – since being unable to achieve that goal I would have deemed the campaign a failure and thus an unsuccessful year for the NZRU. The weighting given to representative performance success was 45% - 25% more than any other initiative laid down in the NZRU. Thus meaning they would have come through with their worst performance in 4 years if you refer to their SCOREBOARD.

The Coaches are hanging on for dear life as they know they will never be employed again to coach any team, anywhere once this painful two year term expires. Like they say – you either have it, or you don’t. Australia have Robbie Deans.