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McKenzie queries selection process
By Jim Morton (Jim has created himself a very big barrow to push on this topic and he will be up against it if Deans is actually successful)
December 07, 2007
AUSTRALIA coaching candidate Ewen McKenzie has questioned whether Australian Rugby Union's long-winded selection process has been a meaningless "waste of time".
Waratahs coach McKenzie is one of five shortlisted Australians who now appear set to lose out to New Zealander Robbie Deans.
New Zealand's stunning decision to reappoint Graham Henry as All Blacks coach has made a disappointed Deans odds-on favourite to become the first foreigner to lead the Wallabies.
Beforehand, Auckland-based David Nucifora and broadcaster Alan Jones were seen to be the likely preferred options of the ARU ahead of McKenzie, Brumbies mentor Laurie Fisher and defence guru John Muggleton.
McKenzie said he and fellow candidates had "jumped through a lot of hoops'' and he'd given up plenty of time at the expense of himself and the Waratahs.
"At the moment you'd like to think the long-term process has been a meaningful one,'' he said. (Yes, it has. It has helped the panel decide who is the best Coach for the job.)
"It's been time consuming put it that way, away from our normal jobs ... so hopefully that process isn't just a waste of time.'' (No, it hasn't been. It has allowed the panel to find the flaws in each candidates credentials. One of yours is bitching.)
The five candidates were interviewed a month ago and the six-man selection committee's decision was slated to go before the ARU board a week later.
The board meeting was cancelled due to chief executive John O'Neill undergoing throat surgery and the coaching issue was postponed for discussion at next Thursday's meeting.
The timing of the nine-man board meeting has been perfect for O'Neill who made it known his preference was to appoint Deans to a long-term contract.
McKenzie wouldn't deny Deans the chance for a second bite at the international coaching cherry.
"You could tell quite clearly he wanted the All Blacks job and he didn't get that so I guess he's entitled to go for his plan B option,'' he said. (Welcome to Professional Sport Link, how do you think the business world operates???)
"I don't know, all I know is I did what I had to do. Everyone had to jump through various hoops and you'd like to think that had meaning.'' (If you aren't good enough then improve. And for God's sake don't jump through any hoops, Newcastle doesn't need another earthquake!)
McKenzie felt a Deans appointment would reflect poorly on the coaching system and pathways in Australian rugby. (Despite the number of Australians in prominent Coaching roles in the NH)
"We're all products of the ARU coaching system and if we all get by-passed I suppose that will be a question of whether it's getting Australia what it wants.'' (Yes, it will be won't it! We shouldn't hide that at the expense of on field results though, are you suggesting NOT appointing the best Coach Link?)
AAP
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Originally Posted by chook
