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Tahs coach a race in two
By Jon Geddes Tahs coach a race in two | The Daily Telegraph
April 28, 2008 12:00am
THE selection of a new Waratahs coach appears to have come down to a two-horse race between Chris Hickey and Scott Johnson.
"We are into final interviews and we will see where that takes us," NSW Rugby CEO Jim L'Estrange said last night.
"Right now it's down to one or two and it is very, very close.
"We are feeling quite good where we are - good about the people we have seen and good about the final candidates."
L'Estrange would not divulge the identities of the final candidates but has a board meeting on May 12 in which he will make a recommendation to the board.
"We are very close, it's been a very positive process and we have actually spoken to lots of people," he said. "I'm not as worried as a lot of other people - the biggest issue is to make sure you get the right person in what is a job that has many, many challenges on and off the field."
Warringah coach John McKee has not had any contact with NSW since his initial interview last week. Nor has Eastwood coach Hickey, who significantly said he would be happy to work with Johnson.
"He is a very good coach and I have a lot of respect for his personal integrity," Hickey said.
L'Estrange is now hoping the Waratahs can get a crowd of 40,000 for a Super 14 semi-final at the SFS after their final three away games.
"Phil Waugh's 100th game will potentially be a home semi and it would also be a fitting farewell for Ewen (McKenzie)," L'Estrange said.
"The team is going really well, they have a great spirit about them and they are showing that they are on track."