Mitchell hoping for another chance
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Mitchell outlined his plans for the All Blacks' future
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WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- All Blacks coach John Mitchell has asked Rugby Union chiefs for a second chance after New Zealand's World Cup failure.
Members of a three-man interview panel peppered Mitchell with more than 50 questions during an exhaustive review of the 2003 season, which stretched over two days.
New Zealand won 11 of 13 test matches, retained its Tri Nations title and regained the Bledisloe Cup, but lost 22-10 to Australia in the World Cup semifinals.
New Zealand have not held the World Cup since winning the inaugural final in Auckland in 1987.
Mitchell was later interviewed for more than four hours by the panel comprising union chief executive Chris Moller, director Mike Eagle and vice president John Graham.
The second interview gave him a chance to stake his claim to the job and outline his vision for the All Blacks' future.
Mitchell's only rival for the coaching job, Graham Henry, who earned the epithet "the great redeemer" when he coached Wales between 1999 and 2002, was interviewed for a similar period Monday.
Mitchell emerged from rugby union headquarters Tuesday evening, smiling and dressed in a charcoal suit emblazoned with the silver fern, to tell waiting journalists the interview process had been enjoyable.
"I've now got to wait and hopefully I get a second chance," he said. "I've prepared well, the best way that I possibly can, and now I've just got to keep my fingers crossed and hope I get another opportunity."
Mitchell and Henry will be interviewed again Thursday by the full board of the New Zealand union and an announcement may be made on Friday.
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