ROSEMARY ABBOTT | Sport
FINAL CLEARANCE
Arthur Stanley, 73, remains on high alert at his usual table at his local watering hole in Shirley, Christchurch, patiently waiting for what he assumes is the inevitable phone call from NZ Rugby seeking his final approval on the next All Blacks coach.
“It’s a two-horse race,” Arthur confirmed confidently between sips. “Jamie Joseph or Dave Rennie. I’ve weighed it up, but I’ll wait till those goons at the New Zealand Rugby Union ring me. They may as well announce me as their CEO while they’re at it!” Stanley said, referencing the fact NZ Rugby still haven’t chosen a new CEO yet.
The central sporting body “sensationally sacked” Scott Robertson nearly two months ago and have taken their time thinking about who will replace him, with an announcement expected later this week.
“They’ll ring,” he said calmly, glancing at his phone on the sticky bar leaner. “They always leave it late. I’ll be ready when they ring though.”
“You don’t just rush these things,” Stanley explained, shaking his head at the television. “This is the All Blacks. Standards.”
Asked whether he was leaning toward Joseph or Rennie, Arthur paused for dramatic effect.
“I’ve made my decision,” he said. “But I’ll wait for the call before making it public. Wouldn’t want to undermine the process. But those clowns should hurry up and get on with it. We’ve got a World Cup next year.”
At press time, NZ Rugby had not yet confirmed whether they were aware of Arthur’s availability, though sources close to Stanley say he will remain at the Shirley pub “all afternoon, just in case.”
More to come.
