So, Mark Hammett now seems close to becoming the new Cardiff head coach. Time to look at what the folks in New Zealand think of his coaching credentials.
So Hammett is a bit of an enigma. You would assume that a coach who has got near the top of the ladder in New Zealand knows a thing or two. On the other hand, he's certainly not a coach with the record of a Graham Henry or a Steve Hansen. Arguably, he's still a young developing coach.
But for me, the big worry is the fact that his assistants apparently have already been picked for him. Presumably, Hammett won't be here until late July at the earliest. So, preseason will at least initially be run by McIntosh and John. Who have already done well with the players at the end of this season.
Potential here for a Scott Johnson/Mike Ruddock situation?
But to be positive, the mere fact that we've looked in New Zealand for a coach is very encouraging. It suggests ambition. Certainly more ambitious than I was expecting.
The squad still needs strengthening, but at this point it looks likely that next season will be much better value for money than this one. Not that thats difficult.
He will be in constant contact with chief and john, am sure between the 3 of them will structure pre-season, team values etc...it won't be too much of a worry he wouldn't have taken role if he didn't think he could work with them I am sure
Superb news. Ambitious coach who will bring a fresh approach, The Blues website stated how they are still looking for more signings so it really looks like they mean business.
It seems a good shout and I'm hopeful and confident. My only cautionary thinking is there is always a risk that it's assumed a Kiwi player or coach will be great - well given the talent Hurricanes have and have had Phil Davies and any other DOR you can think of might have done pretty well with them - and yet Canes have been a big dissappointment last few seasons albeit they're doing better (to an extent) this year. As said I'm hopeful but we'll see how he does and clearly how well Canes have done/are doing is not in any way fully down to him. What it will do for sure is encourage potential recruits that we mean business.
While the canes may have underachieved, the NZ S15 teams fluctuate on how they perform.
They're 4th in the NZ conference of the S15 but 8th overall, so mid table. They have some good players but they're not at chiefs/crusaders level in terms of talent so mid table is probably a fair position for them.
As a 15 year long season ticket holder and long time Canes supporter all I can say is.If you wanted him a year ago,you were welcome,and could've saved us a year of angst,inane game plans and ceaseless pyscho-babble.My mate over here from Newport is stoked for you.Good luck.
Of course to be bothered to post here from the other side of the world you are likely to be a huge fan or the opposite (OK I know he didn't get a boat over to post the message but you know what I mean!). He may be right (and thanks for sharing your view as we don't know him) but a DOR will always have some fans who think they're dreadful whatever happens - so we'll have to wait and see. Fact is the Canes have kept going with him and Gats must rate him (as he on panel) and people learn and get better.
Hurricanes gave the Chiefs a right hammering today, 45 - 8. He must be doing something right. Highlanders were playing earlier, Hoeata looks a right handful. Could be value for money!
I was at Canes v Chiefs game.Chiefs were poor,Canes couldn't help winning that one.Walked out thinking "where did that come from,have they turned a corner".Next week pummelled by Blues,Chiefs well beaten by Tahs.Put earlier result in perspective.Then we get news that two local lads,Boyd and Plumtree,get next two.years.Both proven performers.They're not media favs like Hammett, but talk sense.Why you guys don't get Welsh coaches is beyond me,EPL syndrome?
Jarrod Hoeata brings his own supply of yellow cards by the way
No,was he any good?
JWC is on TV at moment some good rugby being played by some very good players.
Might go out after that,milk some sheep,run over some possums
He was welsh and was awful. We haven't had a 'foreign' coach in the regional years and it took our most successful 'home grown' coach 5 years to win a trophy, so you can't blame us for trying to import success this time
Fair enough,hope it works out for you.Just watched ABs squeak home against England.Best thing about an average game will be the English media's inevitable hysterical reaction.Is our "favourite " journalist Stephen Jones really a Welshman?Or did he leave it behind when he crossed the border?He's almost something out of Monty Python.
We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment.
We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals.
We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards.
If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing
abuse@sportnetwork.net
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon