Friend: We can win it
Last updated: 9th July 2008
Fagan: Talks with Giteau
New Brumbies coach confident of success
New Brumbies coach Andy Friend has boldly declared his side can win the Super 14 title in 2009.
Speaking on his first day on the job, Friend said the Brumbies could go all the way next year despite not having made the finals since winning the championship in 2004.
"We definitely have the squad that can do that, without a shadow of a doubt," Friend told AAP.
"We're not coming here to muck around. We're coming here to make sure we're back and we're winning."
Friend was most recently coach of Guinness Premiership side Harlequins and replaces Laurie Fisher, who was recently confirmed as the new forwards coach for Irish club Munster.
Friend admitted he was taking over at a low point in the club's history.
"But the beauty of that is they will get stronger," he said.
Tougher
"That's the charter - to come back in and to make sure we're back up there winning and getting players back in the Wallaby jersey and representing their country.
"We want players to back themselves and show their expertise out there on the paddock.
"It's our job to make them a little bit physically and mentally tougher and make sure that week in and week out we're able to perform to our best."
The Brumbies are continuing discussion with Wallabies playmaker Matt Giteau about a possible return to Canberra in 2010.
Chief executive Andrew Fagan said: "He is under contact with the Western Force for 2009.
"Conversations have started with regards to 2010 but I really don't expect any significant progress on that for some time."
Super 14 Top 6
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crusaders | 12 | 52 |
| 2 | Hurricanes | 13 | 41 |
| 3 | Blues | 13 | 40 |
| 4 | NSW Waratahs | 12 | 39 |
| 5 | Stormers | 12 | 37 |
| 6 | Sharks | 12 | 37 |
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