All Blacks coaching Shakeup: Scott Robertson Called “Collateral Damage” in Player Power Struggle
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A leaked internal review and subsequent dismissal of head coach Scott Robertson have plunged New Zealand Rugby into turmoil, with accusations of player influence fueling the decision. Robertson was sacked on Thursday after just two years leading the national team, a decision fueled by a “scathing” post-season assessment of the All Blacks’ coaching, culture, and environment.
Internal discord and a Damaging Leak
The fallout from Robertson’s sacking has been exacerbated by the public release of the internal review, a advancement described as “horrific” by a former All Black. The leak, according to veteran of 60 tests, Craig Dowd, is a “sad indictment on the players” and points to a meaningful level of mistrust within the squad.
“There’s been a lot of mistrust going on somewhere,” Dowd stated. “There’s absolutely no winner the way this has all panned out. I’m realy disappointed that the review has made its way to the media. That should be done under the cloak of silence and when it gets out and open for public scrutiny, it’s horrific.”
Dowd believes Robertson has become “collateral damage” in a power struggle, condemning the current players for failing to support their coach. He emphasized the importance of a two-way relationship between players and leadership, stating, “If there’s a problem, senior players have a right to go to the powers that be… It’s about working together as not everyone on the team is going to like each other. Big deal. Get over it.The sole purpose is that silver fern on your chest. Bitching and griping and carrying on like little kids is just pathetic.”
NZ Rugby Disputes Player Power Claims
However, NZ Rugby chairperson David Kirk refuted the notion that player power was the driving force behind the decision. He asserted that the change was a result of “mature and appropriate listening to players who in the end are the people who have to deliver on the field.” Kirk explained that the organization aims to create a coaching structure and environment that optimizes player performance.
Speculation had circulated regarding superstar ardie savea‘s potential unwillingness to play under Robertson, but Kirk dismissed these claims as unfair. “It’s very unfair to say that Ardie somehow led somthing. Not at all. He expressed public opinions, some of those opinions were not agreed to by other players. Some of them would have been, but all of the players are individuals.”
Despite Kirk’s denial, Dowd maintained a sense of revolt within the team contributed to the outcome. “I think the hand was forced because it (the review) did make its way out there and that speculation never goes away. poor old ‘Razor’ is just collateral damage for something that should never have happened in the first place.”
A Challenging Job for the Next Coach
Dowd, who has coaching experience in both New Zealand and England, expressed disinterest in pursuing the All Blacks’ head coaching role at this time. He suggested that potential candidates like Jamie Joseph might hesitate to accept the position given the circumstances. “Finding a replacement is not going to be easy because really… you haven’t gone in on your own terms. You’ve gone in to plug holes on a ship.”
Despite the turmoil, Dowd remains confident in Robertson’s future, having sent him a message of support. “I’ve sent him a text telling him to keep his head up and not listen to the naysayers. He’s got to where he has on his own merit. He’s a quality coach. He’s got a proven track record. It’s not the end of Razor. I think the last coach that went out on similar terms was a guy called Wayne Smith. And where is he now?”
The situation underscores a challenging period for New Zealand Rugby,leaving questions about the future direction of the All Blacks and the delicate balance between player input and leadership authority.
