Blackadder: ‘I’m not ready for ABs job’

TODD BLACKADDER won’t be applying for the vacant All Blacks head coach’s role, as he feels he needs to prove himself as a Super Rugby level first.

The job became vacant yesterday after Graham Henry stood down from the position he has held for eight years.

Blackadder has guided the Crusaders to two semifinals and a final since taking over from Robbie Deans in 2009.

But while he would like to coach the All Blacks in the future, he feels he isn’t ready for the job at the moment.

“I'm keen to do it one day ... but the time is probably not quite right at the moment. I think I'm still learning a bit,” he told The Press.

“I just feel there are still things I need to learn in this role first. There is still plenty of time. And Steve (Hansen) probably deserves his chance.”

Applications close on November 25 and the NZRU has already fired off letters to around 20 candidates encouraging them to apply.