There are New Zealand coaches with excellent credentials who could take over the Blues. We run the rule over the potential Blues rulers as a divided board debates whether to retain Sir John Kirwan.
1 Wayne Smith
Tick, tick, tick as a mentor/sounding board/assistant coach/technical advisor. Rugby's version of magic dust. Revered for knowledge and selfless attitude which gets the best out of players. It would seem a bit cheeky, big bad Auckland pinching him from the poor little Chiefs. But if Smith wants a new challenge after his World Cup stint, he could be a saviour with the Auckland-based basket case. New Zealand rugby would be indebted to him, as the Auckland market is lying close to dormant for now. The Chiefs instantly built an empire on players with tough attitudes and high work rates which is the base the Blues require to launch their power game.
2 Joe Schmidt
A new age rugby character and the outstanding candidate as head coach. Has turned Ireland into the kings of Europe and the great Brian O'Driscoll is among his devoted fans. A gem who passed through the Blues as Peter Sloane and David Nucifora's assistant without the franchise noticing anything special, a familiar story. Did his time as an assistant to Vern Cotter at Bay of Plenty but attracted little fanfare - and boy were we wrong. Winning rave reviews for results, attention to detail and strategic knack with Ireland, who came close to a first win over the All Blacks under their Kiwi coach. If there is a worry, it is Ireland's limited style, but this is generally regarded as Schmidt cutting a coat to fit the cloth.
3 Tana Umaga
The heart says yes, yes, yes - the head says Umaga could do with a Super assistant job first. Unlike John Kirwan, this great All Black is doing the hard yards in New Zealand's rugby nursery, finding his own building blocks in the back blocks. Umaga's results with and impact on Counties Manukau are impressive. Has an awesome presence and may even hold advantages in terms of working with the cultural mix at the Blues which some claim has been a problem over the years. Umaga would bring great excitement and attention to the Blues. He gives the impression he will only make the step up when absolutely sure he is ready and happy with the new post.
4 Robbie Deans
His legendary Super Rugby record with the Crusaders speaks for itself. Apparently worked tirelessly in all areas to strengthen Australian rugby - the Blues could benefit from that in-depth attitude. Would bring outstanding structures to the Blues but he wasn't known for promoting the sort of power that should remain a hallmark of their game. His buttoned-down communication might not be to everyone's taste but the Deans mantra and Blues resources would be an interesting and potentially lethal mix if he could drag himself away from Japan.
