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expattrussy says...

rollingmaul - I'm not sure Kirwan would've done any better with the England backline, as Italy were fairly one-dimensional and forward-orientated when he was coach (and with Mallet). Before anyone says that he could only work with the players/strengths he had (and I agree he did a sound job with Italy), isn't that what Lancaster's done with England - focus on the traditional english strengths, while blooding some new young backs? Only time will tell if the England backplay evolves, as the players get experience of playing together, i guess.......

Posted 18:15 18th July 2012

tha_mai says...

kinsman and three6three6 - doubt we'll see Kirwan and Shelford together at Blues, after Buck has gone public today opposing Kirwan's appointment for the job saying he 'hasn't come through the coaching ranks' and lacks enough relevant experience; seems Buck backed Kieran Crowley for the job.

Posted 02:00 18th July 2012

ruckingkiwi says...

Given the candidates then JK was the best option. I believe his biggest asset will be his ability to recruit well, starting with a new 10.

Posted 01:23 18th July 2012

philb87 says...

Seems a smart choice by the Blues.

Kirwan is innovative and has the 'Mana' to make an instant impact. He has proven what he can do with Italy and Japan. The Blues is the logical next step in his progression.

He's luckt to have a good group of youngsters coming though too (as we saw in the last couple of rounds). Piutau, Moli, Saiili and Luatua look to have potential.

If Kirwan fails though, surely Andy Dalton and Gary Whetton's seats on the board will be untenable? They can't make yet another coach the scapegoat can they?

There is an interesting article on Dumptackle rugby blog about Kirwan's appointment and how he excels with 'big picture projects' if anyone is interested in having a read.

Posted 00:01 18th July 2012

rakavi187 says...

WOOHOO!!!! terrific news to start the day.

Posted 22:10 17th July 2012

jonesy2 says...

having sir john is exactly what the blues need because there isnt much to actually do with all the superstars in their side and a pre season will accomplish that easily enough and if players wont play for sir john kirwan then they arent going to play for anything else

Posted 16:08 17th July 2012

adamk says...

Great news for the Blues... also great news for the NH Blues - Leinster! Joe Schmidt may be staying longer than expected.

Posted 14:55 17th July 2012

fattysock says...

I could be wrong, but as a player did he not also get voted in the All Blacks Team of the Century?

Not saying PR are wrong for missing it, obviously, as it's not a "real" award - but for those younger readers who do not remember JK's playing days, it's a good indication of the esteem he was held in.

Posted 14:47 17th July 2012

leinsterblue says...

have always liked him as a coach...always liked the way he set up the Italian team when they were playing us in the 6N and I thought he did a really good job with Japan in the world cup...

is he seen as a future AB coach?

Posted 14:32 17th July 2012

atg77 says...

Very smart choice. Blues will be back to winning ways in no time.

Posted 13:25 17th July 2012

kinsman says...

I wasn't (and am still not) convinced by this but love three6three6's comment re appointing Buck as forwards coach. The premier forward and back of their generation coming together again. Love it, Bring back Buck!!

Posted 12:47 17th July 2012

melkdave says...

Cant say im suprised P/Lam has lost his job ,after the debarcle of this season.Its prettyobvisous he lost the dressing room in a big way.J.Kirwin will bring a more focused game i feel,and hopefully get the best out of those big name signings

Posted 12:39 17th July 2012

Oceansnz says...

Wooohooo!

Posted 12:02 17th July 2012

georgesmith says...

Some good news from Blues camp, finally! Thank God Pat Lam is gone. John Kirwan is the man.

Posted 10:40 17th July 2012

rugby_rockstar says...

This'll help Kirwin's coaching career alot. He's a bit of a gamble as an international coach at the moment and needs to show what he can do with a professional outfit with real star players. (sorry italy and japan, just being honest, Sergio Parrise aside of course.)

its a bit like Warren Gatland at Wasps then Waikato after his less than successful stint as Ireland coach. Ireland were not at the races in 1999. Gatland showed his coaching pedigre by winning trophies while coaching the likes of Lawence Dallagio, Craig Dowd and Trevor Leota and it netted him the Wales job, a sopt on the 2009 lions tour and head coach on the 2013 lions tour to Australia.

Posted 10:21 17th July 2012

Carpelone says...

I like this. Congratulations, John, a nice man and a legend, not only of NZ sport.

Posted 09:51 17th July 2012

rollingmaul says...

I truly wish he had been appointed England supremo, as I think our lack of quality back play will never be addressed by Lancaster and co.

Posted 09:38 17th July 2012

three6three6 says...

Well done Sir John Kirwan.... and now for the master stroke, appointing Buck Shelford as coach of the forwards!

Posted 07:55 17th July 2012

KiwiLad says...

Lam gone, Just Whetton and Dalton to go...

Posted 07:40 17th July 2012

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