SPECIAL GUEST - Former All Blacks Manager Darren Shand π
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
This is a podcast from Rover.
You know, we maybe talked about 18 months ago, and they said they're interested, and then, you know, finally got the call, and they told me I was straight after Steve Adams, so that was tough enough to follow.
Yeah. So I've been listening to it. I was just telling you off here, I've been listening to it in the node, in the sauna, just in bite-sized samples. I mean, the other things you wouldn't realise when you go and do a podcast like that, I imagine, Darren, like that people wear and how people are going to consume that information.
That's right.
What responsibilities did Darren Shand have as the All Blacks Manager?
Yeah, well, we've all got to listen somewhere, don't we, I suppose?
Yeah, that's where I've been doing it. Now, Darren, All Black Manager, 20 years, and I know there'll be like, well, you know, people might have an idea about what that role is all about for doing it for 20 years. But in a nutshell, can you just sort of explain what you had to do as All Blacks Manager? And it seemed as though the better you got at it, the more roles and jobs you got added to it.
Yeah, probably if you go back to the start, the initial appointment was post the 2003 World Cup where John Mitchell and Robbie Deans were sort of leading the crew and Doc Hobbs was the chair at the time and Chris Moller and they decided after that campaign they wanted to kind of change the structure of things and have, I guess, more of a strategic leadership role or more of executive leadership role where there was a really strong connection between the
How did Darren Shand prepare for his interview with the All Blacks?
The mothership in the team. So, look, honestly, I went in pretty much eyes wide open because I've really been, I guess, a traditional team manager with the Crusaders. You know, the operational person doing all the stuff that happens that no one sees. But this role probably required a bit more leadership. So, in essence, Graham just wanted to worry about coaching on the field and he just wanted me to do everything else.
You nailed your job interview, though. I did enjoy that story. How did you nail it?
Oh, well, I wasn't sure, Miles, when I put my hand up whether I was ready for it or not.
Who are some of the most memorable All Blacks players Darren has worked with?
And I also wasn't sure what they really wanted. So I rang the panel before the interview just to be clear on what... what they really wanted. And I got a sense that they were looking for someone that was in the environment, was current, had professional skills, understood the role. On the last interview, and there was quite a few, there was one that I think the chairman of the group said to me that there'd been a leak in the papers of who the other candidates were. And the other two were Andy Hayden and Andy Dalton, I think. And so I knew both of them hadn't managed a team of recent times. Both great union, both have done great things in their respective roles, but hadn't managed the rugby team. So just said to the panel, oh, well, now that you've confirmed to the other, where have I got the job?
Because I'm the only one that meets the criteria. Yeah, that's so good. I was a bit brave, but yeah, sweat was pouring down my back. Yeah. But DJ Graham was one of the panellists and he walked out. I was sitting in reception and gave me a wee wink as he walked past.
What unique qualities make certain All Blacks stand out as individuals?
Knowing you'd know. Nice work. Now tell me, like, we talked to Nick Gill, who's now at the Baltimore Ravens as their head trainer, which is an amazing role. We asked him, like, who are some of the fittest All Blacks that really would surprise you? And one of them was Bowdoin Barrett that he said. Like, for you... Pulling back the curtain for fans like us, who are some of the All Blacks that surprised you just as not so much as athletes, but as people and what made them so special?
Oh, God, that's, yeah. There's been a few, Mo, so that's a toughie.
How did Tana Umaga influence the All Blacks environment?
I appreciate that. It's a big 20-year remit there.
Just coming to mind at the moment is Ali Williams. Who was a former member of the show. You might not know that.
Which is incredibly surprising for us.
How he's ended up where he is, I'm constantly trying to pinch myself. We just had a reunion recently. We were hosted by Anna and Ali, so it was pretty cool.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00β1:05
2
What responsibilities did Darren Shand have as the All Blacks Manager?
1:05β1:57
3
How did Darren Shand prepare for his interview with the All Blacks?
1:57β2:35
4
Who are some of the most memorable All Blacks players Darren has worked with?
2:35β3:40
5
What unique qualities make certain All Blacks stand out as individuals?
3:40β4:14
6
How did Tana Umaga influence the All Blacks environment?
4:14β7:11
7
What was the hardest moment Darren faced as the All Blacks Manager?
7:11β10:39
8
How did the All Blacks celebrate their 2011 World Cup victory?
10:39β28:13