Rugby: Northland's Woodward raises lone hand for Highlanders job

Bryce Woodward. Photo / Getty Images

Northland coach Bryce Woodward welcomes the challenge of coaching the Highlanders and says he will have no problem if Steve Hansen is looking over his shoulder.

Woodward became the automatic favourite to get the job, if only by virtue of being the only public candidate to emerge yesterday.

Since the New Zealand Rugby Union announced incumbent coach Glenn Moore's job would be advertised, there has been an overwhelming apathy among the presumed contenders for the role.

There are three schools of thought in play. The first is that the Highlanders' job is a poisoned chalice. The second theory is that the speculation linking Hansen to the job has scared off coaches who do not want to play second fiddle to one of New Zealand rugby's big cheeses. Finally, there is the belief among many coaches that the franchise appointments are preordained, and that the application and interview process is merely for show. Hansen and the NZ Rugby Union have gone round in circles in recent days, but the clear indication is the All Black assistant wants to work at Super 15 level, and the best place to do that is with the Highlanders.

The prospect of inheriting Hansen as an assistant or technical adviser does not bother Woodward.

In fact, he believes it could be an asset when it comes to retaining players.

Most believe All Black fullback Israel Dagg and outstanding loose forward Adam Thomson hanker for a switch to the Crusaders, and it would be no surprise if key players Jamie Mackintosh, Jimmy Cowan and Tom Donnelly wanted coaching stability before committing to the franchise.

"I think Steve's interest in the Highlanders would be a positive," said Woodward.

Hansen is a forwards coach and Woodward has mainly worked with the backs in recent years, so the pair could be a comfortable fit.

Woodward said he wasn't bothered at the perception the struggling Highlanders presented a dead end to aspiring coaches.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES