Flexibility is what new All-Black coach John Mitchell is promising in the first hours after his appointment. The New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU) staggered even its harshest critics by responding to previous coach Wayne Smith's diffidence over the job with a lightning-like interview process and selection.

Mitchell, (37), and the former assistant coach of England under Clive Woodward, went home to Hamilton after his interview on Monday disappointed with how he had done only to be phoned later that evening by NZRFU chief executive David Rutherford with the job offer.

The hottest job in New Zealand sport does worry Mitchell, who said there would be changes and there would be casualties from the players who failed to win the Tri-Nations or the Bledisloe Cup this year by twice losing to Australia.

"I have a particular team and programme I want to implement. My team profile is not on the table yet," he said, adding that he had not yet spoken to two assistants he was keen to have on board. But the message is clear that Mitchell has not been impressed with the inability of the All-Blacks to change their game plan when things are not working in matches.

That has been one of the main criticisms of New Zealand fans of both the John Hart and Wayne Smith-coached teams of the last four years. "We need to be more aware of scenarios we are likely to encounter and to learn how to deal with them," he said.

Another of his earliest jobs will be to talk with All-Black captain and hooker Anton Oliver, who has been heavily criticised for his inability to throw the ball straight into lineouts - another problem area for the side.

Mitchell, a former All-Black himself, although he never played a Test, first went to England to coach the Sale club side. He then coached Wasps and, from 1997-2000, he helped Woodward coach England through 33 Test matches while he has coached sides in 219 professional games.

Mitchell, who returned to New Zealand last year to coach Waikato B and then gained the coaching job with the Chiefs Super 12 franchise, said he felt very privileged to be offered the position.

He said he wasn't happy with himself in the interview process in front of some of the great names of All Black rugby.

"I didn't really expect the door to be open. I wanted to reflect my passion and desire for the position," he said. Mitchell said he regarded himself as a creative coach and very selfless.

Smith, who caused controversy when first suggesting he didn't want the job in the review interviews and then changed his mind to say if it was advertised he would reapply, has already phoned Mitchell and congratulated him. Mitchell said that watching the All-Blacks, especially in their last-minute loss to Australia this year, where the All-Black lineout woes were exposed by the Wallabies, he felt sorry for the whole organisation of the side.

His feelings were for the All-Blacks but he admitted that sort of confusion shouldn't happen at Test level. "Too often in professional sport we look to come back after the event," he said. "I know exactly what I'm getting into. We'll take small steps. Every game is special for the All Blacks but you get no second chances in Test rugby."

With the All-Blacks making an end of season tour of Scotland, Ireland and Argentina, Mitchell will have the previous All-Black selection panel of Smith, Tony Gilbert and Peter Thorburn to help him choose the side.

Smith commented: "Naturally I am very disappointed not to be reappointed to the position for 2002 and 2003.

"But the reason I wanted the position readvertised rather than for me to be automatically reconfirmed in the role was to ensure New Zealand had the best available coach for the position. This process has delivered that and I wish John Mitchell well.

"It's now time for all those involved in New Zealand rugby, from grassroots players and provincial unions through to the media and our top coaches, to get behind John and the All-Blacks to ensure they have the best opportunity of winning the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

"It's critical for the future success of the All-Blacks and New Zealand rugby that a small country like ours is totally united behind this cause. The professional era means we are up against financially powerful foes. Now, more than ever, we need to be united behind the jersey."