Mitchell - job under threat (Getty Images).

By Alex Lowe, PA Sport, Sydney

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The job of All Blacks head coach is up for grabs after New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs invited applications for the role.

John Mitchell's contract expires in December and though he has no intention of resigning after New Zealand finished a disappointing third at the World Cup, he will be forced to reapply for the job.

"All interested parties, including John Mitchell, are invited to make applications for the position," Hobbs said today.

"The board believes that it is necessary to conduct an open and transparent process to ensure that the best possible candidate is appointed to this most important position.

"In addition the directors wish to give all coaches the opportunity to aspire to be appointed to this pre-eminent New Zealand rugby coaching position.

"As an integral part of the process, a full review of the 2003 campaign, including the Rugby World Cup, will be undertaken including seeking feedback from representatives of all stakeholder groups."

Hobbs said the decision to make it a contestable process was made before the quarter-finals, where New Zealand turned in one of their best performances of the tournament to beat South Africa.

But for the second consecutive World Cup they were beaten favourites in the semi-final and questions were immediately raised about Mitchell's future.

He and coaching co-ordinator Robbie Deans had the backing of their players and the reaction to defeat back home has not been quite as fearsome as in 1999, when John Hart quit citing "intense public scrutiny".

One man thought to be in the frame is former Wales and British Lions coach Graham Henry, who recently returned to New Zealand rugby by signing on with Auckland.

"The successful candidate for the position will be decided by the full board of the New Zealand Rugby Union," Hobbs continued.

"However, to oversee and manage the appointment process, the board has established a committee comprising NZRU director Mike Eagle, NZRU vice-president and former All Blacks captain John Graham and NZRU CEO Chris Moller."

Hobbs said the aim is to have the selection of the coach completed prior to the end of the year, though his official appointment may not be possible before that deadline.