Rugby: Mitchell open to All Blacks post

John Mitchell will leave the Western Force at the end of the 2011 Super 14 season. Photo / Getty Images

PERTH - Western Force coach John Mitchell has left the door ajar for another go at coaching the All Blacks.

Mitchell was sacked as head coach of New Zealand after they suffered a shock semifinal loss to Australia in the 2003 World Cup.

The 46-year-old has already confirmed he will leave the Force at the end of the 2011 Super 14 season and said he would consider a return to the All Blacks coaching ranks if given the chance.

"Well who knows. I've got to earn that right,"Mitchell said in Auckland ahead of the Force's clash with the Blues on Saturday.

"First and foremost is my job here with the Western Force and (I'm) committed right through to the end of my contract.

"After that New Zealand will be taken into consideration.

"Let's face it, I was disappointed with the rugby World Cup result, I took it personally.

"But that's just natural.

"I think I'm a better character and person for that experience."

Mitchell said he would also consider coaching in South Africa once his time with the Force expired.

But he expressed particular fondness of NZ, his country of birth.

"You tend to recognise the qualities of the landscape in a place like Queenstown and the fresh air and those sort of things are unique," he said.

"And just the intimacy that exists within New Zealand and just the rugby fabric that's very much part of the community."

Mitchell predicted the Wallabies would be a smokey at the 2011 World Cup in NZ.

"I see Australia being a real threat," he said.

"Another 20 odd Test matches on their shoulders, another couple of Tri-Nations and end of year tours, that side will become a lot more experienced and confident as it gets closer to the World Cup."

The Force have won two games on the trot but still sit 12th on the table after opening their season with six straight losses.

- AAP