Hobbs backs All Blacks’ coaches

New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs says they have no regrets about re-appointing All Blacks coaches Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith.

The decision to renew the trio’s deals until the 2011 World Cup before the Tri-Nations kicked off raised eyebrows when it was announced in July, particularly given the All Blacks’ sub-standard performances against France and Italy in June and the fact the three had contracts which ran to the end of this year.

It is a feeling that has not gone away with the All Blacks’ grip on the Tri-Nations trophy tenuous following a scratchy win against Australia and two underwhelming losses in South Africa.

But Hobbs is sticking by Henry, Hansen and Smith and backed them and New Zealand captain Richie McCaw to lift the team out of the mire.

“It does not dent our confidence or make us reflect back on our decision to extend their contracts because those decisions are made involving a whole range of factors and are not dictated by a series or Test to Test,” Hobbs said.

“I know that people are getting a bit agitated and a bit disappointed because the expectations are very high and that’s fine, so they should be.

“That is what we live under. But as I say, I have confidence in the coaches. I have confidence in the senior players and a great deal of confidence in the leadership of Richie McCaw and a lot of work is being done to get us through this patch,” he told The New Zealand Herald.

Hobbs admitted no-one involved with the team was happy with a return of three losses from six games so far this year.

“We know there is criticism but the focus is on getting things right and everybody has a role to play in that.

“It is a difficult patch though. You can’t really walk into a difficult patch, collapse and throw out the toys. It is just not sensible.

“No one’s happy. Everyone is looking for that improvement and we all have to work harder and that work, I know, is being done.”

New Zealand’s next chance to put things right comes in Sydney next Saturday when they take on Australia.

It is a must-win game for the defending champions, who gathered for an intense one-day camp in Auckland earlier this week in a bid to shake off the problems that plagued them in South Africa.

Daniel Carter’s return is also likely to provide a fillip to a squad lacking in confidence.

The 59-Test pivot attended the camp and is expected to be named in the 26-man squad for the trip across the Tasman after coming through three provincial games on his comeback from a ruptured Achilles tendon.

The squad is due to depart for Sydney on Sunday.