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Departing icons Robbie Deans and Reuben Thorne have issued a ringing endorsement for Mark Hammett to take over as Crusaders rugby coach.
Deans ended nine years of success with last night's 20-12 Super 14 final defeat of the New South Wales Waratahs while Thorne is also walking away after 12 seasons with the franchise, having played in all nine of their finals.
Deans' boots are massive ones to fill but the new Wallabies coach is keen that only those with red and black blood pumping through their veins need apply for the Crusaders job.
He thinks former Crusaders and All Blacks captain Todd Blackadder will do justice to the job but it is current assistant Hammett who he believes is primed for promotion.
"Hammer's good to go, I believe," Deans said.
"The key to an organisation like this is the foundation.
"Whoever comes in has to understand the foundation. Obviously he's been a foundation member from day one."
Hammett was the Crusaders hooker for 81 games from 1996 to 2003 and played 29 tests for New Zealand, including appearances at two World Cups.
Thorne was impressed by how quickly Hammett had adjusted this season after just one previous year of coaching under his belt.
He was assistant coach in 2006, a role Blackadder took for a season last year.
"I've been really impressed with Hammer this year, he's exceeded my wildest expectations as a coach with the input he's had," Thorne said.
"Robbie's a special guy and I just hope whoever steps into his role is able to keep things going the way they have been."
Blackadder is director of coaching with the Tasman Rugby Union, the second biggest province in the Crusaders region.
Deans said Blackadder possessed the knowledge and respect to assume the position but advised Crusaders management to take their time before making a decision.
"They understand the importance of it," he said.
"It needs to be someone that understands the past and is prepared to be courageous and prepared to build towards the future.
"(It's) one man's opinion but I believe we've got what we need within."
- NZPA
