Two aim for Lochore’s job

Press, 3 December 1987, Page 60

Two aim for Lochore’s job

PA Wellington A major decision faces the New Zealand Rugby Union council- today - naming a successor for Brian Lochore. The countil must fill Mr Lochore’s former dual roles of member hnd convener of the Selection panel. With the cppvener’s job also goes the position of All Black coach./* Standing for re-election to the three-mdn’ ’panel are Mr Lochore’s World and Bledlsloe Cup lieutenants, John Hart and Alex Wyllie, and it seems logical one of the pair will fill the convener’s post Whoever misses may be

n officially appointed assistant coach with responsis bilities for either the y backs or forwards. But that decision would r j-set a precedent, one many feel could be dangerous. 11 The right of the All 1 Black coach to pick his i- A own assistant will be gone a j and the door will have s been opened for future i /conflict, personal or pro- ■■ f fessional. i The possibility of con--1 flict between Mr Hart and 1 Mr Wyllie is highly unlikely judged on their succ cess with the national - colts, the just completed 1 tour of Japan and the way they combined under Loj chore during the All

Black’s early season campaigns. In the years ahead, however, the discretion of the All Black coach to pick his assistant — should he want one — could be undermined. Of the two, Mr Hart seems to hold the edge for the convener’s position. 1 His credentials are impressive, considering the incredible success of the 1987 All Blacks came largely from one of the best provincial sides in the world — Auckland — which Hart selected, moulded and established.

His organisation abilities are impressive, his

rapport with the players is excellent and his ability to motivate, legendary. That is not to say Mr Wyllie has none of those qualities, but his aggressive, no frills veneer may have to give way to the charismatic Mr Hart

Both appear certainties for re-election to the panel. Finding the third man with the knack to cement the trio is ttye council’s main concern. There are three candidates — the Wellington coach, Earle Kirton, Mr Lochore’s successor with the Wairapapa-Bush team,, Lane Penn, and the former All Black hardman, Frank Oliver.