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Rugby needs to fix scrums

He guided Canterbury to their most recent NPC title in 2017, spent two years as Highlanders defence coach, and has coached extensively in the UK.

Now, South Cantabrian Glenn Delaney, who earned 66 caps for London Irish in his playing days, is helping coach the Mitsubishi DynaBoars in Japan.

Having finished up with Welsh side Scarlets last year, Delaney spoke to Robert Van Royen for this week’s Back Chat.

How’s the Japan move gone down?

I’m enjoying it and it’s nice to be back as I was up here playing in 1993 as one of the early players to come here. I’ve got a good connection with New Zealanders here — Colin Slade, Jackson Hemopo, our captain is Heiden Bedwell-Curtis. Also close by is Joe Maddock, so it’s been great to see old mates.

What’s the one rugby law you’d like to see changed?

I’d like the clock stopped for scrums. Then put back on when it’s restarted either by a pass or when kicked post a penalty/free kick. It won’t take away a team’s desire to be dominant, but I think we can find a way of mitigating the time lost to resets. Finding a way to protect the ball in play will promote better outcomes from this. Scrumming is integral to the game and I do love it, it needs to contribute rather than at times become a focal point for loss of time playing.

Have you ever completely lost it in the sheds?

I have lost it in the sheds. I’d like to think I’m better now, but in my early days I was a bit free with my emotional expression. I did have one rant in a European game 10 odd years ago that lasted the entire halftime break. Thankfully, I think those things are behind me as I’m not sure it really helps.

Most talented players you’ve played alongside and coached?

Most talented I played with was Jarrod Cunningham. He was my mate also, a wonderfully instinctive player, who in his words ‘just wanted to have a crack’. He saw the game in a different way than others, had time, courage and great skills. Sadly, he passed away from his battle with motor neurone disease. His mindset has always inspired me as a coach.

As a coach, I’ve been privileged to work with some great players over the years. Some came through on sheer will and determination. The Canterbury team of 2017 was a special group, which played some great footy. The Highlanders team I worked with similarly had some great characters who did it their way, and created some wonderful memories.

One player I would mention from my very early days is Tom Youngs. Tom was a young centre who converted to hooker. Two years later he started for the British and Irish Lions in the front row, quite remarkable. I think he was always a hooker, just playing in the backs for a bit first.

What’s the primary difference between coaching in the UK and NZ?

I think the players are more interested in helping to drive the programme and environment in NZ. In the UK, players are keener to get on with their job and be motivated to do it. I do think the game is changing constantly, and we can’t ever forget that the game is for the players, so their thoughts are critical to success.

Finding the balance is the key. That I believe comes from the context where you play and what is important to the group you’re working with. There are big differences to the game and its approach in different parts of the world. That is what makes the game so interesting, as you can play it in a number of different ways.

Best and worst things about your hometown of Temuka?

Still having friends from those days is the best thing. It was a friendly place to grow up, proper community living. Worst thing now is probably the bypass that goes around the main street. The town needs a few people stopping in to help it along. Great cheese factory and pottery.

What interests you outside of rugby?

I play the guitar and I’m learning the piano. Having four kids is great fun, too. They’re making their own way in life which is great to see.

What’s your go-to guitar riff/song? Sweet Child o’ Mine [Guns N’ Roses]. My high school band played it in the first ever Smokefree Rockquest, which I think was in 1989. Loved that.

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2022-01-16T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-01-16T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/282720525327853

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