Kirwan eyes All Blacks job

Japan’s New Zealand-born coach John Kirwan has declared his interest in becoming the All Blacks’ mentor, describing the role currently held by Graham Henry as “the best job in the world”.

Kirwan, who played 63 Tests for the All Blacks, said coaching New Zealand was a long-term goal, telling the Dominion Post newspaper: “If they called me I would certainly say yes.”

“I want to be the best that I can be and that’s the best job in the world,” he said. “That would be the proudest moment in my life.

Kirwan, 46, whose contract with Japan’s Brave Blossoms ends in December, said he did not anticipate an imminent call up from the All Blacks and his immediate challenge was steering Japan through the tournament.

“At this stage, I’m concentrating on playing in this league, I’ve got to get a team ready for a big challenge,” he said. “My focus is on the World Cup.”

Japan pushed France in their opening match, despite a lop-sided 47-21 final score, and will play New Zealand in Hamilton on Friday.

Kirwan indicated the Brave Blossoms would rest some top players for the clash against the World Cup favourites, eyeing more realistic wins against Tonga and Canada later in the pool stages.

“Our goals are to win two games… it’s important now that we keep our powder dry and get through the next 10 days… we’ve got a hard run in and it’s important that we plan for that,” he said.

AFP