ADRIAN WARNER, Cardiff | Friday 12.25am.
NEW Zealand coach John Hart quit on Friday following his side’s defeat against South Africa in the World Rugby Cup third place play-off on Thursday. ”I had been considering the decision for quite some time,” said Hart, who has been under mounting pressure since the All Black’s shock defeat by France in the semi-final.
”I came to the view that it was time for me to move on. The loss to France was a devastating day, currently the most devastating of my rugby union career.
”But it didn’t affect my decision. I had already told a few of my close friends and they understood.”
He has no specific plans for his future at the moment but indicated that the NZRFU had mentioned the possibility of his remaining involved in some capacity.
”I believe I have more to offer but I’ve taken no decision on that,” he said. ”I need a holiday and some space and we will see what is round the corner but I’m not afraid of the future.
”I believe it is really important for me to face the New Zealand public after what has happened.
”I understand there has been a tremendous amount of flak flying but I hope it is not directed at the players.
”They are the future of the game and have done their best.”
Hart asked the New Zealand public to make him the scapegoat for the All Blacks failure, not the team who he said would be ”destroyed” by adverse reaction from fans.
Hart was heavily criticised after the defeat by France when New Zealand panicked, throwing away a 24-10 lead in the second half by conceding 33 unanswered points.
His contract was due for renewal in December and Hart will stay on until a successor is found.
Hart was assistant to Alex Wyllie at the 1991 World Cup and took over the top job on a four-year contract after Lawrie Mains retired after the 1995 Cup.
He has led them in 42 tests, winning 32 and losing nine. He led New Zealand to three victories in the Tri-Nations competition and their first series victory in South Africa. — AFP, Reuters