Concerns that off field distractions are affecting the Hurricanes on field form are nothing new. This is the franchise where players have mastered the art of unjustified arrogance; where reputation is not reflected by results.
It used to be that such weighty matters as the late supply of sponsors’ watches put training in jeopardy; those days seem to have passed. Instead, now, it’s Twitter, Facebook and beard growing competitions that seem preoccupy the players.
Hurricanes fullback Cory Jane has defended his use of Twitter saying it’s something he enjoys and that he does it in his spare time. No argument. But he would be on more solid ground if he was playing well. I’ve never cared what players do away from the game so long as it doesn’t affect how they train and play (or it’s illegal). But you have to wonder if some of the Hurricanes have the balance right between work and play.
There are no such concerns around the Crusaders who continue to set the standard for professionalism and performance. Their 44-28 win against the Sharks at Twickenham was wonderful to watch and as much as I enjoy taking the mickey out of Cantabs, it’s pretty easy to admire their rugby team. Who would bet against them winning the Super 15 despite playing every game on the road?
Steve Hansen might have had pole position to take over as All Blacks head coach if they win the World Cup (and yes, that’s a pretty big ‘if’) but there is now a decent alternative in Todd Blackadder who seldom puts a foot wrong in public and is clearly a good coach. He took over as All Blacks captain from Anton Oliver when Wayne Smith needed a fresh face for his under performing side and should things go pear shaped at Eden Park later in the year Blackadder could once again be seen as the team’s saviour. In fact, if the Crusaders do win the Super 15 Blackadder could get the top job regardless of what happens at the World Cup.
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The Hurricanes are The Warriors of our Super Competition. It wouldn't matter who coached them and I'm biased in regards to Mark "Hammer" Hammett a good Marist-Albion man here in Christchurch. For the record Steve Hansen was a good Marist man before him, same club before amalgamation. Most of the Hurricanes are there for the social environment and the perks that come along with it. Their talent is wasted playing in that Franchise and the Coaching Staff can't be blamed for their lack of success on the field. Anyone who is too seriously into Twitter is there to stroke their own ego. That fantasy world must go to their heads at some stage and affect their on-field game. It is a world of self-promoting pretenders mixed with a few real people so of course games are played and reputations are made and broken in a few careless words. It should only be about the Rugby not the personality or lack thereof. It is time for some so-called reputable elite players to stand-up act more maturely. Hopefully the All Black Selectors only pick this year’s RWC squad on form and not Reputation/Experience. As we know from some players form this season, their days should be numbered. To win the RWC they should be “Fired” sooner rather than later.