EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS REPORTS


Hadden's Scotland hopes resting on All Blacks test

BILL LOTHIAN


FRANK HADDEN will have to prove his international rugby coaching abilities against the might of the All Blacks before landing the Scotland post on a permanent basis, the Evening News can reveal.

A highly-placed Murrayfield source claims that it would be folly to rush in and give the job to Hadden on the basis of wins against the Barbarians and Romania.

The insider said: "Samoa, Argentina and New Zealand visit Murrayfield this Autumn so it might be better to see how Scotland fare against them before committing ourselves. Frank did exceptionally well in helping achieve those wins in the Spring.

"But, with all due respect, it won't be until the Autumn Tests that his contributions can be put into proper relief. It is unlikely that the post will be filled permanently until then." Edinburgh guru Hadden, though, appears undaunted by confronting the weight of history - Scotland will be seeking a first win over New Zealand in 25 meetings when the teams clash on Saturday, November 26 at Murrayfield - saying that matters are outwith his hands.

"I have heard that rumour about the Autumn Tests being used to determine the new coach as well. And there have been no talks involving myself at this stage," said Hadden.

Scotland will host Argentina on Saturday, November 12 and Samoa on Sunday, November 20.

"I'm just working away full-time at Edinburgh and there is no need to even think (at this stage) about a Scotland job I have always regarded as a fantastic opportunity, a tremendous honour.

"It [the Scotland job] is not something I am bothering about because I have such a lot to do with getting Edinburgh ready for the season ahead.

It is not something in my control so I'm not thinking about it all; if the time comes when I have to, I will."

The situation hints at a cross-fingers-and-hope-for-the-best approach from the SRU given the ever-present possibility of the former stand-off being plucked from under their noses.

That is especially the case with Hadden's stock rising steadily from the point where he piloted Edinburgh into the quarter-finals of the European Cup in 2004 with many clubs in England known to have taken note of his abilities.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh are due to be joined on Thursday by skipper Todd Blackadder whose arrival from his native New Zealand has been delayed by a tonsillectomy. Hadden said: "Todd is now much better and will be flying this week. We are now almost a complete squad with Francisco Leonelli arrived from Argentina, Michael Pyke back from Canada duty as well as Dave Hewitt settling in well."

This article was posted on 26-Jul-2005, 12:44 by Hugh Barrow.