The New Zealand Rugby Union has been urged not to sack John Mitchell by a poll following the All Blacks' failure to win the World Cup.
The survey showed 57 per cent of 755 people asked were in favour of retaining him. Mitchell's greatest rival, former Wales coach Graham Henry, won 32 per cent of the vote.
The NZRU threw the job open after the World Cup semi-final loss to Australia, citing Mitchell's difficult relationship with the media and sponsors as the main factor rather than his record.
Since returning from the tournament Mitchell, accused of being too defensive and unapproachable, has accepted a string of media interviews as well as help from a Christchurch-based public relations agency to push his and assistant Robbie Deans' case for reappointment.
Applications for the job close on Monday, with a choice expected by the end of the month.