The New Zealand Herald reports that the All Blacks will name their new coach before Christmas.
"The Rugby Union still plans to unveil the next All Black coach before Christmas.
Applications closed last week and the interview panel has begun quizzing a shortlist of contenders to succeed Graham Henry.
"We are still heading towards an announcement before we break up at Christmas," said NZRU chief executive Steve Tew after yesterday's board meeting.
Tew is part of a group involving board members Mike Eagle, Graham Mourie and Graham Cooney, All Black manager Darren Shand and NZRU high performance manager Don Tricker who will grill the aspirants."