It's Hammerlander time
-
<p>heard him on the radio this morning, not convinced he really wanted to take the reins still, but had his arm twisted to do so.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>He said he wanted to be the best assistant in the world...I suspect his loyalty to the Highlanders has been a key factor in his decisions, and if not for that loyalty, he may have buggared off after this season.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>People have often said they thought Hammer would be better suited to an assistants role, he now has that for at least a year.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I thought Jon Preston was part of the current coaching set-up down there, is he still to be involved?</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Brian9848" data-cid="586000" data-time="1465505552">
<div>
<p>It's a bit disappointing that Tony Brown will not back himself to be a Head Coach beyond one year. It's not exactly a confident move that he is willing to then become an assistant again, and not just willing but wants to return to be somebody else's assistant after having head coaching responsibility.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>It's a pretty realistic assessment of his position. A poor 3 year stint with a NZ Super franchise will pretty much cap your ceiling at ITM Cup level in this country until the end of time (unless you are good friends with Shag I guess). With a one year stint Brown gets the experience without too much judgement if they have a down year. If they have an up year he is a genius.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's really a win-win for him either way. Keep plugging away and then come back over-prepared like Rennie was, Schmidt (and eventually Cotter) will be and then give the best audition you can.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="darreninusa" data-cid="585987" data-time="1465495831">
<div>
<p> </p>
<p>1. As soon as he is replaced we make the finals.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>2. How on earth does he get employed again?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>3. Why do people defend him?</p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>On (1), you don't think Hammer might just have made a small contribution there? Read that article I posted a week or so back with Conrad's extraordinary comments.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>On (2), maybe, just maybe, people in the know think he has something to offer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>On (3), it's quite a lot of fun trolling embittered Canes fans. :)</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Brian9848" data-cid="586000" data-time="1465505552">
<div>
<p>It's a bit disappointing that Tony Brown will not back himself to be a Head Coach beyond one year. It's not exactly a confident move that he is willing to then become an assistant again, and not just willing but wants to return to be somebody else's assistant after having head coaching responsibility.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>It's pretty strange that no-one seems keen to pick up the reins of the defending champions. Maybe the perception is that the only way is down and that's not the sort of stepping stone you need to be All Black coach.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I guess - three scenarios.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>(i) They've got someone like Schmidt lined up to take over, but he's not going to be free in time for the 2017 season.</p>
<p>(ii) They're putting Tony in charge as a figurehead, in order to ease Hammer into the top job - thereby avoiding the PR meltdown of appointing him directly.</p>
<p>(iii) They really can't get anyone and are going to re-cast the net next year.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>(iii) would be pretty strange - I'd have thought that anyone who applied for the Crusaders job would also put their hat in for the Highlanders. It's not like Super Head Coach jobs come up every day. But maybe they're not the plum jobs that we all imagine.</p> -
<p>Dunedin is pretty cold!</p>
-
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="586054" data-time="1465518486">
<div>
<p>On (1), you don't think Hammer might just have made a small contribution there? Read that article I posted a week or so back with Conrad's extraordinary comments.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>On (2), maybe, just maybe, people in the know think he has something to offer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>On (3), it's quite a lot of fun trolling embittered Canes fans. :)</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>I thought (3) was more to do with the fact that you fluffed him like crazy when he got the job and you can't lose face by backing down now. ;)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>On (2) of course he's got lots to offer, he's the hand grenade you throw in when you want to rebuild from rubble (even if you don't need to rebuild from rubble) ... unfortunately for the Canes as an organisation they didn't realise the blast would take out a huge chunk of the fanbase as well.</p>
<p>On (2) without tongue in cheek, from all reports he is a good assistant coach, maybe, if his ego can handle that then that's where he needs to focus his career goals.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> :gamer:</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="586063" data-time="1465520136">
<div>
<p>Dunedin is pretty cold!</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> Lies I'm in shorts and jandals today.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="586069" data-time="1465522064">
<div>
<p> </p>
<p>On (2) without tongue in cheek, from all reports he is a good assistant coach, maybe, if his ego can handle that then that's where he needs to focus his career goals.</p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>It's a while since he's been an assistant coach isn't it?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>He's certainly an "in demand" character! Right now, if my count is correct, he's got four jobs. Head Coach of the Sunwolves. Caretaker Coach of Japan. Assistant Coach of the Mako$. Assistant Coach of the Highlanders.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="585888" data-time="1465451627">
<div>
<p>finger arthritis</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Just. Looks. Wrong.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="586054" data-time="1465518486">
<div>
<p>On (1), you don't think Hammer might just have made a small contribution there? Read that article I posted a week or so back with Conrad's extraordinary comments.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>On (2), maybe, just maybe, people in the know think he has something to offer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>On (3), it's quite a lot of fun trolling embittered Canes fans. :)</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>I read the article. I don't doubt that he has potential as a coach. We all heard how the team were training the house down and that the "culture" was much improved. But if you can't translate that to on field performances for <em>four</em> years then you have to go, especially after kicking most of the fan favourites/established All Blacks from the team. He basically alienated the fans and took us from a team making the finals to a team finishing mid to lower table. It doesn't really matter how much the players love you, that's nowhere near good enough.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The problem with Hammett, which has been said many many times, is that he was nowhere near ready to be head coach of a Super team. Experienced coaches know how to create a culture that leads to on-field performances (I.E. where it actually matters). Hammett failed in that regard. Badly.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SouthernMan" data-cid="586078" data-time="1465523716">
<div>
<p> Lies I'm in shorts and jandals today.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>But you didn't say it wasn't cold. Only that you are a classy dresser.</p>
<p>It is a low of 4 degrees tonight, if you are still in shorts and jandals outside at that time you must have really hairy feet.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SouthernMan" data-cid="586078" data-time="1465523716">
<div>
<p> Lies I'm in shorts and jandals today.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>I wore jandals and shorts in the snow when I was living in the UK....</p> -
<p>Well today isn't cold, it's a balmy 16 degrees. Absolutely beautiful. Clear blue skies.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As for it being four degrees tonight, I'll probably chuck some pants on when I go out for a beer and then I'll end up with my slippers on.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But thanks for the compliment on my fashion style. </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SouthernMan" data-cid="586090" data-time="1465527008">
<div>
<p>Well today isn't cold, it's a balmy 16 degrees. Absolutely beautiful. Clear blue skies.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As for it being four degrees tonight, I'll probably chuck some pants on when I go out for a beer and then I'll end up with my slippers on.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But thanks for the compliment on my fashion style. </p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Don't be too hard on yourself. Cantabs dress even worse. Everyone puts on their best Moleskins and Swandris for a night out sinking piss and scoring <strike>chicks</strike> anything with a pulse.....</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="586093" data-time="1465527275">
<div>
<p>Don't be too hard on yourself. Cantabs dress even worse. Everyone puts on their best Moleskins and Swandris for a night out sinking piss and scoring <strike>chicks</strike> anything with a pulse.....</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>you forgot the shirt with collar turned up :)</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SouthernMan" data-cid="586090" data-time="1465527008"><p><br><br>
I'll probably chuck some pants on when I go out for a beer<br><br></p></blockquote>
<br>
Highly recommend this. Quite frankly, every time I have gone out without pants I received weird looks that made me feel a little uncomfortable. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SammyC" data-cid="586094" data-time="1465527378">
<div>
<p>you forgot the shirt with collar turned up :)</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>True and if the above combo doesn't work to help pull anything there's always the option of going round in packs and assaulting any ethnic minorities that stand in your way.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="586096" data-time="1465527497">
<div>
<p>True and if the above combo doesn't work to help pull anything there's always the option of going round in packs and assaulting any ethnic minorities that stand in your way.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Unless they are a Fijian winger
we've got plenty of room down here for them </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SammyC" data-cid="586097" data-time="1465527595">
<div>
<p>Unless they are a Fijian winger we've got plenty of room down here for them </p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>It helps that he's the biggest guy in your team. No one's to keen to square up to him.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SammyC" data-cid="586097" data-time="1465527595">
<div>
<p>Unless they are a Fijian winger we've got plenty of room down here for them </p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Nah even <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/10344425/Crusaders-star-Nemani-Nadolo-racially-abused'>they cop abuse. </a><br><br>
</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p>The actions of a "stupid" lone drunkard who racially abused Crusaders winger Nemani Nadolo was an anomaly that should not tarnish his great season, says coach Todd Blackadder.</p>
<p>"After all I've done to contribute to tis lovely city of christchurch to be called a UN FIT CHUBBY [N****] is disappointing [sic]," the Fijian-born Nadolo tweeted at 2.48am today.</p>
<p>Nadolo was at a central Christchurch bar last night with teammates when he was approached by a group of people who had been drinking. One of them then used the slur to Nadolo.</p>
<p>"He was obviously upset by it and no one should have to tolerate that," Blackadder said. "It's just disgraceful."</p>
<p>Nadolo went home upset and tweeted that he was "hurt" and "disappointed" by the incident.</p>
<p>"To say (that) you must be stupid or ignorant. It shouldn't reflect on everyone," Blackadder said.</p>
<p>He was impressed with how Nadolo handled it. Nadolo did not react or even tell his teammates, who did not hear the slur. If he had, the incident might have escalated, Blackadder said.</p>
<p>"It just shows what a great man he is. He has forgiven the guy in himself."</p>
<p>Blackadder said Nadolo did not plan on taking any further action.</p>
<p>"They played the final for all of us and for them to come home to this shouldn't tarnish an amazing season for Nemani."</p>
<p> </p>
</blockquote>
<p>
</p>
