Rumours about Sir John Kirwan's future at the Blues have begun to swirl. The latest yesterday prompted a vote of confidence in the coach from chief executive Michael Redman. Nonetheless, the existence of the rumours, overstated or not, is understandable. On his appointment in 2013, Sir John said he would rekindle a passion and pride that matched his own when he played for Auckland.
But his promised roller-coaster ride has had far more downs than ups, culminating in the Blues conspiring through various indiscretions to lose their first three games this season.
When Sir John was appointed coach, it was a vote of confidence in a local hero. Equally, however, there were no other outstanding candidates. That has now changed. Central to the latest rumour is Kieran Keane, who in a very short time has transformed Tasman, so much so that it belied a backwater pedigree to almost win last year's national provincial championship. Keane, a former All Black, has an out clause in his Tasman contract if he is offered a Super Rugby post.
The Blues have won just 37 per cent of their games since Sir John took over.
Clearly, he is on borrowed time if their performances do not improve dramatically, starting with tonight's match at Albany against the Lions, another winless team. It would be unusual to sack a coach so soon after the season's commencement. Then, again, no group of Super 15 supporters has had to endure quite as much in recent seasons as that of the hapless Blues.
