SLAM! Sports
COLUMNS
INTERACTIVE
CONTESTS
ALSO ON SLAM!
Hart resigns as All Black coach
CARDIFF, Wales (AP) -- Controversial New Zealand rugby coach John Hart brought an end to his four-year reign today when he quit amidst calls for his sacking."People back home who are baying for my blood have got it," said Hart at the end of a disappointing World Cup where the pre-tournament favourite finished fourth.
Hart, who ushered the world's most famous team into the professional era, revealed he decided not to seek an extension to his contract before the All Blacks suffered their humiliating loss to France in the World Cup semifinal.
"It's not an easy decision to step down because although we haven't won the Cup I believe we have an excellent team," said Hart. "I've shared many wonderful moments with the All Blacks over the last four years and I will treasure those."
Hart, who was a co-coach of the All Blacks at the 1991 World Cup, took over from Laurie Mains in December 1995 and was in charge for 42 matches, winning 32 with nine losses and a draw.
His autocratic, business-like style resulted in him getting as many enemies as friends and he admitted it had been a difficult job at times in the face of "intense public scrutiny" at home.
"I've had four years, we've won the Tri-Nations three times and we've had some wonderful times," said Hart. "But it's a very demanding job coaching the All Blacks -- it's one that takes its toll."
Hart said he informed officials after the French defeat that he would be standing down although "those close to me" knew earlier.
"I had been considering the decision for quite some time," Hart said. "I came to the view that it was time for me to move on. The loss to France was a devastating day, currently the most devastating of my rugby union career.
"But it didn't affect my decision. I had already told a few of my close friends and they understood."
Hart has decided to cancel a family holiday in Hawaii in order to "face the music" at home before deciding his future in the game.
Hart believes his country had unfair expectations of his team.
"If you go back to August 1998 we'd just lost five Tests in a row and were in supposedly in disarray," said Hart.
"We've worked hard and we've won 10 out of 13 tests this year. It's really hard to consider you've failed as a team when you still have such a good record.
"Expectations are very high and this finally may be the touch of realism for New Zealand that it's going to be hard -- that All Blacks teams lose."
Hart backed the coaching claims of his assistants Peter Sloane and Wayne Smith while Welsh coach Graham Henry has been linked to the position.
Hart does not believe Henry, a Kiwi, will move from Wales and Henry has also dismissed the suggestions, which linger regardless.
New Zealand Rugby Football Union chairman Rob Fisher said a decision to appoint Hart's replacement would be made before Christmas.
As a scrum half Hart had 26 games for Auckland and two for Taranaki but was also a much more impressive coach than player.
He led the awesome Auckland team of the mid 1980s as it won 78 of 90 matches from 1982-87 and developed players such as John Kirwan and Michael Jones.
He was named co-coach at the 1991 World Cup alongside Alex Wyllie and the pair had a terrible relationship, resulting a disappointing semifinal exit.
Hart almost got the job on his own for the 1995 tournament when Mains was struggling but instead was taken on later that year.
 Bert's back on blades Blue Jays boot game Bombers drop Peterson Felicien rebuilds race | Visit our Polls Archive |