/ 13 November 1999

MAINS REJECTS ALL BLACKS POST

GOLDEN Lions coach Laurie Mains – who is set to coach the Cats in next year’s Super 12 – won’t be looking to fill the shoes of his All Black counterpart John Hart, who isn’t seeking re-election to the post. Mains said he is prepared to help New Zealand rugby in a support role only. Hart is stepping down as New Zealand coach after the Kiwi’s crushing defeat in the 1999 Rugby World Cup. Mains, who coached New Zealand’s from 1992-95, said the country’s rugby now has an opportunity to clean out the existing All Blacks management and coaching staff. He remains critical of Hart, who he said squeezed out key coaches through manipulation in recent years, including former Auckland’s trainer Graham Henry.