Tietjens hopes to end reign on Games high

HONG KONG - Gordon Tietjens hopes next year's Commonwealth Games can make up for World Cup disappointment, so he can finish his reign as New Zealand rugby sevens coach on a high.

Tietjens confirmed he would hang up his sevens whistle in the middle of next year, ending a glittering 13 years in charge.

Before then he wanted to guide New Zealand to their sixth consecutive International Rugby Board (IRB) series title over the next three months and then repeat the dose next year.

The Melbourne Commonwealth Games in March 2005 will provide one last major tournament opportunity, with Tietjens chasing a hat-trick of gold medals.

"It certainly would have been good to win this one," Tietjens said after the 19-29 World Cup final loss to Fiji here last night.

"This only comes around once every four years but so does the Commonwealth Games. That's going to be a major focus now for myself and the players."

Tietjens would not reveal what his plans were once he finishes.

He is a successful businessman and father of two but it is understood he is interested in moving back into coaching the 15-a-side game, either at provincial level or a national age group team.

"I just decided it was time," he told NZPA.

"I've been doing it for 12 years now. I've enjoyed it and I still am."

Former playing great Eric Rush is the obvious successor to Tietjens. He has been the team's technical advisor but Tietjens said others should be given a chance to apply.

"He (Rush) is certainly someone who'll be in contention."

Tietjens' focus on fitness in the leadup to tournaments has become legendary and is behind much of his team's silverware.

He has now coached 403 games since 1994, winning 363, with 39 losses and one draw for a 90 per cent success rate. Before last night, his team had snared every major prize on offer since 1997, including two Commonwealth Games titles, the 2001 World Cup and his perfect IRB series run.

The Tietjens accent on skill and positivity was stamped all over New Zealand's tournament statistics here.

They kicked just once in their eight games, with the next least from any team being four.

They also scored more tries (45) and points (287) than any side although that counted for little against a brilliant Fiji in the final.

- NZPA