Dictatorial vs Inclusive coaching

[Scarfman]

I agree wholeheartedly with you RH, but to be honest, I'm so far beyond being over Deans that I'm more interested in Matt Gagger's opinion.

 

[RedsHappy]

I agree wholeheartedly with you RH, but to be honest, I'm so far beyond being over Deans that I'm more interested in Matt Gagger's opinion.

"Right all along": too fucking right mate. And good on you.

I wanted to highlight above that the dimensions of this thread's discussion were in some ways too limited: yes, 'inclusive vs dictatorial' is a legitimate dimension, but equally important is simply the calibre and full structure of the whole executive coaching team that that oversights the Wallabies. My own view is that this structure has been effectively both understaffed and essentially of inadequate competence for the task ahead since the very first days of Deans' reign, and, sadly, I see little change so far with the new coaches the ARU chose and planted under Deans this year (after sacking all the old ones but keeping Deans - quite extraordinary).

In this context, and to expand the discussion, it's important to note that Henry's coaching group included not only the other two well-known members of The Cartel but also a hand-picked sports psychologist/mental skills coach (Enoka) as well as a precision kicking, catching and passing coach from Australia (Byrne). Partly the modern ABs are great because the NZRU understands the investment needed is applicable sports sciences and leading-edge skills to hone a team capability that leads the world: it is absolutely clear that neither Deans nor our ARU board understand this at all.

 

[Gagger]

I agree wholeheartedly with you RH, but to be honest, I'm so far beyond being over Deans that I'm more interested in Matt Gagger's opinion.

Fuck me, you have hit rock bottom.

I'm not sure I disagree with you to be honest Scarfy. If any of the girls wanted input into how the backs were going to play - so be it. I'd even encourage it.

Just that there's a difference between that and being some sort of defined leader within the group is my real point. I think where Link got to which was to say there are a couple of people who'll have a direct input into the strategy forming process - Quade and Sanchez. You blokes (backs group) talk within yourselves to give those guys the ideas which they then bring to a strategy meeting.

As opposed to having multi-layered 8 man leadership groups like the Tahs did last year

 

[I like to watch]

.....
Now, whom did Henry recommend as his backs coach for 2008 and beyond? Wayne Smith. To see what a fine elite-level backs coach can do _in quick time_ just go compare: Chiefs' 2011 backs play and general quality with the Chiefs' 2012 variety. That upgrade - and to very high standards of backs play - was manifestly central to the Chiefs' dramatic improvement in winning the S15 this year. Who's the Chiefs' 2012 backs coach: Wayne Smith.

I think the recruitment of Cruden & SBW had a teeny bit to do with their improvement as well.