My stance is that Thorn is clearly willing to put longer term viability ahead of short term success (which is almost completely counter-intuitive to a head coach trying to preserve his job)
I think the challenge for the Reds/QRU is that all that you've said might be true but if the internal improvements don't transfer to obvious external gains you have a real problem of perception. Perhaps it's more a question of how they are handling the narrative in bringing the fans along, because the average Joe doesn't see any of those changes you alluded to.
I get the impression that some work has been done to set expectations by seeding the media with articles about the average age/number of caps in the team and other such subtle reminders of where this team is at. Irrespective maybe they just need to be more open and honest in owning certain elements and targets. What is 'their' pass mark this year?
For me, I agree, I do think they are improving but not in a consistent manner which is worrying.
I have actually wondered if cultural and structural changes were needed could it have been achieved without Thorn being HC.
Some other clubs abroad have a much more Manager/HC setup or Director of Rugby and other such roles. Perhaps someone else should have been handling game day whilst Thorn focused on those various other elements. I can see Thorn functioning well managing the youth pathways and other such elements that will setup the club for the future. Ultimately I do wonder if he's the man to be deciding the strategies and approach to overcoming certain opposition.
The Crusaders game this coming weekend is going to be a good test of both the character and technical aptitude of the team. I really hope I'm surprised.
