Smith's England dilemma

By Aziz Hassan

OTHERS may feel on top of the world, knowing that their services are very much sought after and they are being asked to name their price.

Aziz Hassan But not so for New Zealand's Wayne Smith, formerly with the Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks coaching panel and now a backs coach for the Chiefs.

A few months ago his was one name reports said was being considered to be the head coach of a problematic England but that job eventually went to Stuart Lancaster after the latter had guided England to a commendable Six Nations, finishing second despite having a young and very inexperienced squad.

Now Smith is back in England's radar, this time as backs coach.

It was confirmed that Lancaster laid out the plans for Smith last week when the Chiefs were in South Africa for a Super Rugby game, with an offer right through to RWC 2015 to be hosted by England.

Back in New Zealand Smith said he just had days to think over the offer.

Everyone says the money on offer would be hugely tempting. When it was confirmed that Smith had an offer in hand, the NZ Rugby Union immediately got down to working out a counter offer but it is also everyone's belief that any amount offered by the NZRU would not match that coming from England.

Smith started his top-level coaching career with the Crusaders in 1997 for the then Super 12. In the next two years he won the title for them twice.

The All Blacks head coaching job was next, after RWC 1999 succeeding John Hart, and this lasted two years before Smith moved to England to coach Northampton.

He returned to his country in early 2004 to be one of two assistants to Graham Henry in the All Blacks coaching panel.

Their ultimate success was in winning RWC 2011 at home last October.

After that achievement, the question is what else is there left in New Zealand for the 55-year-old Smith to achieve.

Smith's contract with the Chiefs is for two years but he has an exit clause which allows him to leave at the end of this season.

His expertise as a backs coach is never in doubt and especially this season, he has injected a different element to the way the Chiefs backs play their game.

According to Smith, three issues will be on his mind as he ponders over the offer from England.

One is the impact on his family and two his obligations to the Chiefs. The third looks to be the one which is causing him the biggest dilemma and that is his conscience.

Smith's England dilemma

OTHERS may feel on top of the world, knowing that their services are very much sought after and they are being asked to name their price.

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