The New Zealand Rugby Union moved yesterday to transfer control of the All Blacks from coach to manager as fallout continued from the country's World Cup failure.
Union chairman and lawyer Jock Hobbs said the move was part of a "fundamental restructuring of the All Blacks division," not a reaction to the manner in which coach John Mitchell wielded power during the world tournament.
Mitchell, who took charge of the All Blacks from Wayne Smith in 2001, insisted as a pivotal plank of his coaching reign that he be given full control of the team, answering only to union chief executive Chris Moller.
Tony Thorpe, who served as Mitchell's manager through the World Cup after the sacking of Andrew Martin, was responsible mainly for the logistics of travel and accommodation.
Under the system announced yesterday, the coach will report to the manager who will control most aspects of the team, reporting in turn to the union board and Moller. Mitchell has been forced this week to reapply for his coaching position as the New Zealand union, inviting applications for the job, considers whether he should continue.
The former All Blacks No. 8 led New Zealand to consecutive Tri Nations victories last year and this year and to its first Bledisloe Cup success this year since 1998.
The All Blacks' 22-10 loss to Australia in the World Cups semifinals, his perceived dictatorial style and poor relationship with the media could work against Mitchell's reappointment.
Applications for the coaching role close next Monday and an appointment is expected by the end of December. Former Wales coach Graham Henry is seen as Mitchell's leading rival.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and