Crusaders legend Todd Blackadder and his former teammate Mark Hammett will replace Wallaby coach Robbie Deans as the franchise’s Super 14 coaches.
RugbyHeaven NZ reports that the pair, who are expected to be assisted by another former Crusader, Daryl Gibson, edged out Hurricanes assistant coach Aussie McLean for the job.
Blackadder is the Tasman coach while Hammett was Deans’ assistant this year.
Blackadder went to Scotland after the 2001 NPC and played for the Edinburgh Reivers. He also helped coach the forwards there under current Scotland head coach Frank Hadden and also assisted Australian Matt Williams in a similar capacity with the Scottish national team at the 2003 World Cup.
After Hadden got the national job, Blackadder took over as Edinburgh’s head coach in the Celtic league in his final year in Scotland. He was the Crusaders lineout coach last year.
Blackadder played 71 games for the Crusaders and 128 matches for Canterbury. He captained the All Blacks in 10 of his 12 Tests.
Tweet
I See the Kiwi’s waste no time in announcing their teams.
Kiwis to Play Aussies.
Mils Muliaina, Anthony Tuitavake, Richard Kahui, Ma’a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Daniel Carter, Andy Ellis, Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid/Richie McCaw, Rodney So’oialo, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Sione Lauaki, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Conrad Smith –
@KSA Shark © (Comment 1) : What on earth could be a good reason to waste time announcing a squad?? Not even if you are not 100% sure about a players availibility, like McCaw, as seen with Henry’s team. 😕
What next, Mr Bean to coach the Sharks.
@Salmonoid (Comment 3) :
No he is coaching the Crusaders already.
We’ll have to settle for Baldrick 😆
@KSA Shark © (Comment 4) :
Just as long as he (Baldrick) isnt already coaching the Sharks? ❗ or is he?
Nursie to be a cheerleader.
Hi KSA – welcome back. Did you have a good trip to SA?
@Nessa (Comment 6) :
Hi Nessa
Yip, a good time was had by all 😎
Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock has been ruled out of the opening Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations Test against New Zealand in Sydney on Saterday, after he failed to recover from concussion.
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