ROSEMARY ABBOTT | Sport
NEVER FORGET
In a shocking twist of national sentiment, many New Zealanders say they would consider welcoming former All Blacks coach John Mitchell back into the fold, but only if he first delivers a public apology for the sin that still haunts them: dropping Christian Cullen in 2003.
Mitchell, whose tenure as All Blacks coach ended in semi-final heartbreak at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, has been largely exiled from Kiwi rugby folklore after not selecting Cullen while still in his prime, leaving many still confused to this day about his non-selection.
The possibility of Mitchell being back in the All Blacks mix may be haunting for some, with the opportunity only arising after Scott “Razor Roberton” was sacked last week as head coach.
Some Kiwis have still not forgiven, but could be swayed.
“Nearly 23 years on and I’m still not over it,” said one unnamed bloke from Whakatāne, shaking his head. “If Mitchell wants the job back, he better start with a ‘sorry’ to every All Blacks fan in this country, especially to those who knew how good Cullen was. The bloke scored 46 All Blacks tries for goodness sake.”
Rugby commentators are cautiously optimistic about the idea. “If Mitchell wants to coach the All Blacks again, the first thing he needs is redemption,” said one former player turned pundit.
“Acknowledge the Cullen decision, show some humility. Maybe then people will let it go. Maybe. 23 years may be a long time ago, but some Cullen and All Blacks fans will never forget.”
More to come.
