Tana has mana but may need more time
Three years wasn’t nearly enough for Sir John Kirwan and Tana Umaga could conceivably need that long to transform the beleaguered Blues.
Many positives surround Umaga’s appointment as head coach. On the face of it the former All Blacks captain holds the mana to unite a desperately divided region and forge genuine connections with New Zealand’s biggest – and arguably most valuable – player base, one with a large Polynesian flavour that requires unique understanding.
His record over the past three years with Counties Manukau – 22 wins, 13 losses and six Ranfurly Shield defences – is impressive, hinting at an inherent ability to mould young talent. With Kirwan’s resignation complete, Umaga has the freedom to stamp his mark without potentially conflicting messages.
Umaga’s attitude that actions, not words, will form the team’s focus should represent a refreshing new direction. That was, after all, the approach which won wide him acclaim, respect and made him one of the world’s best midfielders.
While you can’t fault Umaga’s first press conference as Blues head honcho – he chose his words carefully and didn’t duck any difficult topics – questions linger. Not for lack of articulation. Only time will reveal the answers yet red flag concerns remain.
For a plum Super Rugby job, Umaga is considered inexperienced. Largely unproven, even. That’s not to say he won’t take the next step with aplomb, but evidence and history is stacked against him. Not least at the Blues where he will become the franchise’s ninth coach.
His attention won’t solely centre on the troubled Super Rugby team over the next few months, either. In fact, it probably won’t sit squarely there until the new training base at Alexandra Park is complete in November.
Juggling coaching commitments with Counties in this year’s NPC and the early stages of a Herculean-type rebuild is a huge task. We only have to recall Chris Boyd’s forgettable season with Wellington last year for a reminder of the pitfalls of assuming too much.
‘‘My days are going to be pretty busy with the two jobs I have,’’ Umaga said. ‘‘I like being busy as my wife would say.’’
A fresh start often offers a halo effect, but much work remains. In many ways signing was the easy part. To his credit Umaga is far from daunted. He’s never shied away from a challenge and knows on-field results may take some time, though at least he has the security of a three-year agreement.
‘‘What I’ve learnt is year one you’ve still got remnants of the last regime and players you’re left with through contracting,’’ Umaga said. ‘‘The second year that’s when you’re starting to build and hopefully by the third you get some payback. If you don’t, then it’s probably time you move on.’’
Umaga must recruit 18 players – six for the wider training squad – and stick to a mandate in the Blues’ constitution that 85 per cent of his squad will be locals. Two assistant coaches, alongside forwards advisor Glen Moore, must also be hired before next year. It would not be a surprise to see him turn to former team-mates Alama Ieremia, Filo Tiatia or, eventually, former Counties sidekick Steve Jackson, who now leads North Harbour.
All this before you consider the dysfunctional Blues board that chairman Tony Carter agreed had some ‘‘personal tensions’’ still to resolve.
Umaga hasn’t put himself in the firing line lightly. He’s been patient and considered.
‘‘It just felt right for me and I feel ready.’’
He’s committed to returning the Blues to the sort of vaunted force he frequently opposed more than a decade ago.
Back then, the Blues were a prized scalp. Back then, his heart was painted yellow-and-black.
‘‘My two eldest kids are Wellington born and bred. They find it a bit weird, but my two youngest love it. There is a little bit of div- ision in the household,’’ he said with a wide grin.
‘‘I was born and bred in Wellington, my family still live there and I still have part of my heart there, but family is where home is.’’
‘‘One might argue taking on the Blues requires a bigger leap of faith than when Umaga left for Toulon to ultimately start his coaching career in 2005.
‘‘I can understand that,’’ he said. ‘‘People judge on what’s actually happened. It’s up to me to rectify that.’’