Dewes To Replace Ryan?
The Flying Fijians prop who scored the winning try in the 38-34 win over Wales at the 2007 Rugby World Cup is tipped to be our new forwards coach.
It is understood that Graham Dewes is the leading contender for the job left vacant after Jason Ryan took up his appointment as the new All Blacks forwards coach in August.
Dewes is now Northland Taniwha’s forwards coach, playing in the New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship (NPC).
Dewes, along with head coach George Konia and defence coach Marty Veale, have been praised by the New Zealand media as Northland
Taniwha has been putting quality sides to sleep in the NPC. The latest is their first ever win (23- 22) over Auckland.
The 29 Flying Fijians Test veteran is one of the three coaches in the Blues region that are being groomed by former All Blacks scrum guru, Mike Cron.
The other coaches are Steven Bates (Auckland) and Ben Afeaki (North Harbour)
Blues chief executive Andrew Hore said the franchise was always looking to upskill its people.
“Having someone of Mike’s experience, knowledge and mana working with our coaches in our provincial unions is outstanding,” Hore said.
“We want to nurture talent in the region from both a playing and coaching perspective. The sustainable success of our Blues region is about ensuring we develop the talent we have on our doorstep.”
Dewes was qualified to play for Fiji through his mother, who hails from Noa’tau in Rotuma. He played his rugby in Auckland through all grades before representing Thames Valley and Counties Manukau Steelers in the NPC.
He made his Test debut for the Flying Fijians against Japan on May 26, 2007 at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Dewes last Test match was on June 23, 2012, against Japan at the same venue.
Dewes, along with Rooster Chicken Fijiana XVs assistant coach Mosese Rauluni, Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors head coach, Kele Leawere, assistant coach Ifereimi Rawaqa, Seremaia Bai, Vilimoni Delasau, Semisi Naevo and Sireli Bobo, were members of the 2007 RWC team who qualified for the quarterfinals against South Africa.
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