tha_mai says...

A sour response from Shelford - and bad form considering he was an unsuccessful applicant himself (Buck throws hat in ring for Blues coaching job). He wouldn't meet his own required coaching criteria - North Harbour over 10 years ago, and recently a coach for North Shore senior team.

Posted 04:49 20th July 2012

rugby_rockstar says...

LOL! well that's pee'd all over the DREAM TEAM of Kirwin and Shelford then! :D

I don't think NZ club coaching experience is a must, especially for a New Zealander who has been immersed in the NZ rugby psyche from his formative years onwards.

Shelford's comments are elitist at best.

I'd also point out that his own coaching career at Northampton and Saracens was a failure. Hardly an expert opionion then.

Posted 10:00 19th July 2012

philb87 says...

I think it's difficult to judge someone totally when they have coached a side with limited aspirations (or should I say limited realstic aspirations) such as Italy or Japan. His record with them wasn't too bad though. You've got to remember that it wasn't so long ago that they were whipping boys in International rugby.

We should recognise too that Auckland rugby isn't the powerhouse that it once was. It needs restructuring from top to bottom.

Surely Kirwan's experience in helping burgeoning teams, including restructuring, alignment with clubs and youth development will be of benefit to the flagging Blues?

Also not sure I agree with Buck Shelford's criticism...

Kirwan may not have come through the NZ system coaching wise, and that may rile some, but I don't think one could say that coaching say Hawkes Bay or Manwatu in the ITM Cup is more valuable experience than being the figurehead of an international rugby union such as Italy or Japan.

Give the guy a chance. His partnership with Mick Byrne could be a future 'golden ticket'.

There is an interesting article on John Kirwan's mission to transform the Blues from a poisoned chalice into a golden one on 'Dumptackle Rugby Blog'.

Worth a read if your a Blues fan.

Posted 09:26 19th July 2012

KiwiLad says...

And with that mildly crazed little rant, Buck lost a lot of credibility, with a lot of people...

Posted 08:18 19th July 2012

sandal says...

Shelford makes a good point.

I am not too keen on Kirwan's appointment, but for different reasons. I don't believe his record with Italy and Japan was particularly good. He has also been out of touch with New Zealand players, however much contact he may have maintained with the NZ scene.

But, more importantly, he just doesn't seem to be made of the right stuff. I know that is not an objective, scientific, assessment, but there are times when our instincts tell us what is right.

If JK proves a doubter like myself -- and a truly accomplished person like Shelford -- wrong, then well and good. I wish him luck.

Incidentally, does anyone know if John Plumtree, the Sharks coach, was on the list, as reported by the NZ Herald? I saw this as a good opportunity to bring a highly experienced person back to NZ. Sure, Plumtree also lacks recent contact with NZ players, but then he has had a lot of contact with SA ones. He certainly would have been my choice.

But the selection panel was high-powered, to say the least.

Posted 02:42 19th July 2012

three6three6 says...

These comments are untimely and very unfortunate.... I was hoping to read an announcement that 'Buck' Shelford had been appointed as forwards coach of the Blues, not that he was criticising the appointment of Sir John Kirwan as Blues Head Coach. Imagine a coaching team of Sir JK and Shelford at the Blues... Now that would have put bottoms on seats at Eden Park! This is now unlikely to happen!

Posted 02:14 19th July 2012

georgesmith says...

Buck needs to chill. Such comments at this time are totally unwarranted. Lets give JK a fair chance. At least he is better than P.Lam. Buck can vomit the venom if JK doesn't win a single game from the opening 3.

Posted 22:35 18th July 2012

Oceansnz says...

well, there goes the idea of Buck being the forwards coach! Hahaha

He does raise an interesting point though. On paper it seems another Auckland Old Boy gets the top job.

Posted 22:08 18th July 2012

ABlack says...

Rumour has it JK may look to appoint Buck as forwards coach.... not going to happen now!!!

Posted 20:45 18th July 2012

atg77 says...

Rather Parochial response. I think Kirwin has done more than enough to prove his worthiness of the position. Did some good work with two relatively limited teams.

Posted 19:45 18th July 2012