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Mulvihill leading Tahs race
By Bret Harris
April 16, 2008
WESTERN Force attack coach John Mulvihill has emerged as the front-runner to coach New South Wales following Andy Friend's appointment at the Brumbies.
It is understood Friend was on top of the Waratahs' short list and was being strongly considered as the replacement for Ewen McKenzie, who is expected to secure the Stade Francais position in Paris.
But the Waratahs are also believed to have a very high opinion of Mulvihill, who has done an outstanding job in developing the Force's attacking game.
Another leading contender is believed to be former Australia five-eighth Brian Smith, who is coaching London Irish, while NSW attack coach Todd Louden has dropped out of contention.
Tahs chief executive Jim L'Estrange revealed he has started interviewing candidates.
There is no doubt the Waratahs will talk to Mulvihill at some stage, if they have not already done so.
"Good luck to the Brumbies," L'Estrange said of Friend's appointment. "Andy has clearly got a great track record.
"We've got a really good variety of coaches on our list, which I have to interview, so we are really comfortable with the names we are looking at.
"I think they are names that suit NSW, suit our culture and suit the expectations of where we need to be.
"There are some really good names out there that are looking for an opportunity to coach a Super 14 team and a team like the Waratahs. We'll go through our process. I'll use a variety of experts to help me get there."
L'Estrange said the Waratahs were also looking to extend the contract of rookie outside centre Rob Horne, who made an outstanding run-on debut against the Force in Perth last weekend.
Horne, 18, scored one of the Waratahs' two tries, was sharp in attack and strong in defence.
He is contracted until the end of next year but the Waratahs are keen to secure him on a long-term deal.
"Rob is a really exciting talent and has proven himself to be very much part of the team in his first four games," L'Estrange said.
"If we can get Rob to stay longer at the Waratahs, I think he will be a really important cog going forward for us."
The fourth-placed Waratahs will be trying to avoid complacency when they host the last-placed Lions in Sydney this weekend.
"It's something that I'm sure our guys are well aware of," Waratahs forwards coach Steve Tuynman said.
"It's a lower placed team. We have to come out with a resolve on the night.
"They might be 14th, but if you have a look at their games, they play some good football."
With Matt Giteau sidelined after a head knock, Lachlan MacKay will make his first appearance in the Force's No10 jersey against Queensland in Brisbane on Friday night.
MacKay's promotion has opened the door for exciting 17-year-old rookie inside back James O'Connor to make his debut off the bench.
- Additional reporting: Peter Kogoy
Mulvihill leading Tahs race - Rugby - Fox Sports