Current All Blacks believe Wayne Smith should continue as the New Zealand coach through to the 2003 Rugby World Cup, saying a new coach would disrupt the game they were settling into as it was close to hitting the right chord with them.

Smith's retention would mean continuity, particularly into the crucial next phase that would carry them through to the World Cup, some leading players said.

Of the 16 All Black squad members contacted by NZPA on Tuesday, 11 believe Smith should continue as coach.

Of the five who didn't pick Smith straight away, two didn't mind who the coach was, two didn't completely reject Smith and the other did, saying there was a need for an injection of new blood to create more enthusiasm among the players.

While players such as All Black captain Anton Oliver, Wellington centre Tana Umaga and one of the Canterbury heroes of Saturday's Ranfurly Shield defence, Reuben Thorne, openly supported Smith last week, others didn't want to be quoted on Tuesday.

Two backs who supported Smith on Tuesday, blamed the forwards for their only two losses this season - both to Australia - and said Smith's tendency to be loyal to some senior players wasn't healthy for the team.

"I noticed Smithy rejected responsibility for the forwards when we arrived in New Zealand (from Sydney after the Tri-Nations Test). I think he was right. (Smith assistant and forward coach) Tony Gilbert was calling the shots," one of the player's said.

"That was Smithy being honest. I think he was a bit fed up with the forwards still committing the errors they did 10 Tests ago. I notice he changed his story slightly the other day," he said, referring to Smith assuming responsibility and accountability for the entire team.

Most players agreed with the observation of senior team members Taine Randell and Justin Marshall. Both believe the team isn't far from being a very successful Test side.

"It's a pretty young side in terms of age and Test rugby," Randell said earlier. "I think with a few more matches together we'd be able to put away teams that we weren't able to put away last year and this year." - Sapa