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Sir Graham Henry has lobbied NZ Rugby to accept a Pasifika team in a renewed competition and then wrap them in a security blanket.
Former All Blacks coach Henry, who acknowledged that he has had “a little discussion” with a possible Pasifika entry but did not want to elaborate, is convinced that a new tournament to replace the old Super Rugby model should include a team that allows players with Pacific Islander heritage to play in professional competition.
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Sir Graham Henry wants a Pasifika team to provide a sixth team in a New Zealand national competition next year.
While NZ Rugby has yet to confirm whether it will stick with the Super Rugby Aotearoa format that replaced the old Super Rugby model after the lockdown, or whether it will introduce a new competition involving Australian teams, Henry believes a Pasifika team should be included.
“I think a Pasifika team is essential, but they (NZ Rugby) have to take care of them,” said Henry.
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“They cannot throw one side of Pasifika away and then just leave them alone. NZ Rugby and the five franchises must support the Pasifika team to be competitive. ”
The Aratipu Report, which was published by NZ Rugby in July, conveyed the desire to include all five New Zealand teams, a Pasifika entry and between two and four Australian teams in a cross-border tournament.
Rugby Australia has been angered by NZ Rugby’s hardline attitude and as a consequence none of the five Australian clubs completed an “expression of interest” before the deadline.
NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson has confirmed that there have been eight expressions of interest, including the five existing New Zealand teams, for the new competition.
The five Kiwi teams and an Auckland-based Pasifika entry would allow for a six-team national competition, likely to be played over three rounds and follow a finals format, launching in 2021.
Kai Schwoerer / Getty Images
Sevu Reece of the Crusaders is tackled by Rieko Ioane of the Blues during a Super Rugby Aotearoa match at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch.
Although there are concerns that a Pasifika team may struggle to be competitive, Henry urged NZ Rugby and the five franchises to do everything they can to help the sixth team succeed.
“It would be an extra game every weekend, and they (the Pasifika team) would have a lot of fans. They would have a genuine fan base who would love that team, ” Henry noted.
“But I think it is the responsibility of NZ Rugby to make sure it is a strong team.”
Meanwhile, Henry, whose eight-year reign as coach of the All Blacks ended with the team’s 8-7 victory over France in the 2011 World Cup final, believes current coach Ian Foster will find it hard not to. elect Richie Mo’unga as the starter. first five eighths ahead of Beauden Barrett for the test against the Wallabies in Wellington on October 11.
Hannah Peters / Getty Images
All Blacks head coach Ian Foster gives instructions during a training session at Whakatane.
“They are probably two of the best 10 in the world and that is the dilemma for Fozzie and his selectors. And I think (Josh) Ioane of the Highlanders is a great player too.
“Right now, I think Richie Mo’unga is the fit player… he’s playing excellent.
“And I think Beaudy was excellent [for Taranaki when the beat Canterbury] in the [Ranfurly] Shield game. ”
Henry, who coached Wales and the British and Irish Lions before returning to New Zealand to coach the All Blacks in 2004, can also see the value Dave Rennie will add to the Wallabies in his first year at the helm.
Andrew Phan / Wallabies Media
The Wallabies’ Kiwi coach Dave Rennie takes a walk in the garden of the team’s quarantine base in Christchurch.
Rennie, who coached Glasgow Scotland for three seasons after six years with the Chiefs, is currently in quarantine with the Wallabies team in Christchurch as they prepare for the two Bledisloe Cup events in New Zealand.
Patience, Henry says, will be a key pillar in Rennie’s long-term plan.
“He doesn’t have to get a result tomorrow, and he has chosen a team accordingly, so I think he is looking to say ‘well, we are looking to reach the top in the World Cup in 2023.’
“He will still want them to play the best they can right now, but I think he’s looking to the future. He is a very astute coach and went through a learning period during his time. ”
