KEY POINTS:
Shane howarth is strongly tipped to be named as the new assistant coach at the Blues.
The Blues are looking for a backs coach following the decision by Joseph Schmidt to join his former Bay of Plenty colleague Vern Cotter at Clermont in France.
Howarth, the former All Black and Wales international, is rated by several good judges to be the strongest candidate from within the Blues region.
The 38-year-old has been backs coach at Auckland since 2004 - helping them play some expansive football to win the title in 2005 and was also involved with the Pacific Islanders last year and elevated to an assistant post this year with the New Zealand Maori.
Howarth confirmed to the Herald on Sunday that "he would be crazy not to apply," while well-placed sources suggested the Blues "would be crazy not to hire him".
Of the coaches currently working professionally within the Blues region, Howarth arguably has the strongest CV. Northland's backs coach Bruce Robertson has previously been involved with the Blues and is in search of a quieter life.
North Harbour's Shane King has only just been appointed for his rookie season at this level while head coach at Northland Mark Anscombe and head coach at Harbour Wayne Pivac have both said the Blues assistant role is not one that interests them.
Blues chief executive Andy Dalton has confirmed the job will be advertised and that he expects applications to come from candidates around the country.
But while a nation-wide hunt will take place, it would be a surprise if the Blues hired from outside their catchment zone. They have been criticised in the past for drafting outsiders and Howarth has committed to the region and has extensive knowledge of the players and politics of Auckland rugby.
Head coach David Nucifora, who recently extended his contract for another two years, will be on the panel that will interview candidate, as will as-yet undetermined representatives from the Blues and New Zealand Rugby Union.
An announcement on the new appointment is likely to be made some time next month.
