WalesOnline's Robin Turner chats to the All Blacks' performance analyst Alistair Rogers.
" To Kiwis, Rogers is the “fourth man” – an ever-present, largely unrecognised figure in the coaching box alongside the more identifiable faces of Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith. But behind the studious exterior lies an incisive analytical insight that played a crucial role in helping the World Cup hosts end their 24-year-long World Cup drought.
"A one-time flanker for Aberavon, Neath and Ebbw Vale – where the former Dyffryn Comprehensive School pupil played under future Wales coach Mike Ruddock – the 36-year-old combined his sporting expertise with his background as an IT expert to work his way back into the game.
"...But does he still feel a yearning to be involved in the resurgent Welsh set-up? “I’m not sure nationality comes into it, I’m extremely proud and privileged to be part of the All Blacks. I followed the All Blacks as a youngster and to be part of the All Black family is something very special.
“It’s a team with a wonderful culture and history and this group of players and management have worked extremely hard over the past four years (eight for some). Winning the World Cup is still sinking in."
RSS feed
