The winds of change are howling through the All Blacks camp as Jason Holland prepares to exit stage left at season's end. It's time to scout out the new blood ready to take up the mantle. While Scott Robertson had previously kept the coaching circle tight post-Leon MacDonald, Holland's departure demands fresh faces. Here's a peek at the top contenders and dark horses in the race to shape the future of New Zealand's rugby pride.
Frontrunners to watch include Roger Randle, Andrew Goodman, and Scott Hansen. Randle, mastermind behind the Chiefs' dynamic attack in Super Rugby Pacific 2025, seems a natural fit. With a host of Chiefs players regularly donning the black jersey, his transition could be seamless. "Randle has crafted an attacking style that's not only effective but electrifying," noted Robertson, hinting at potential synergy.
Should Robertson opt for an internal promotion, Scott Hansen might just snag a solo role over the backs and attack, freeing up space to recruit a new defence strategist. Meanwhile, Andrew Goodman, currently mentoring Ireland's backs, could be lured back to his roots, having previously collaborated with Robertson at the Crusaders.
"There's arguably no better coach than Joe Schmidt, but personal and professional dynamics could complicate things."
In the mix, Joe Schmidt's name does surface despite past tensions with Robertson over coaching ethics. His contract up for renewal post-Rugby Australia stint, Schmidt’s expertise is undeniable. David Hill, another viable candidate, currently leads the All Blacks XV's attack and could see November as his proving ground.
Among the outsiders, James Marshall, Brad Cooper, Cory Brown, and Jason O’Halloran are domestic talents with eyes on the prize, though their ascension to the top role would surprise many.
The wildcard entries stir the pot further. Ex-All Black coach Brad Mooar, despite a turbulent past with the team, and coaching heavyweight Wayne Smith, might just re-enter the fray. Ronan O’Gara and Tony Brown, though high-profile, appear long shots, with Brown particularly settled in his role with the Springboks.
As for the improbable options - Leon MacDonald and Dave Rennie - their potential appointments would shock and likely stir controversy, something Robertson might steer clear of as he aims to stabilize and strengthen his squad. With the coaching carousel in full spin, the next few months promise intense speculation and strategic decisions that could redefine the All Blacks' trajectory.
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The winds of change are howling through the All Blacks camp as Jason Holland prepares to exit stage left at season's end. It's time to scout out the new blood ready to take up the mantle. While Scott Robertson had previously kept the coaching circle tight post-Leon MacDonald, Holland's departure demands fresh faces. Here's a peek at the top contenders and dark horses in the race to shape the future of New Zealand's rugby pride.
Frontrunners to watch include Roger Randle, Andrew Goodman, and Scott Hansen. Randle, mastermind behind the Chiefs' dynamic attack in Super Rugby Pacific 2025, seems a natural fit. With a host of Chiefs players regularly donning the black jersey, his transition could be seamless. "Randle has crafted an attacking style that's not only effective but electrifying," noted Robertson, hinting at potential synergy.
Should Robertson opt for an internal promotion, Scott Hansen might just snag a solo role over the backs and attack, freeing up space to recruit a new defence strategist. Meanwhile, Andrew Goodman, currently mentoring Ireland's backs, could be lured back to his roots, having previously collaborated with Robertson at the Crusaders.
"There's arguably no better coach than Joe Schmidt, but personal and professional dynamics could complicate things."
In the mix, Joe Schmidt's name does surface despite past tensions with Robertson over coaching ethics. His contract up for renewal post-Rugby Australia stint, Schmidt’s expertise is undeniable. David Hill, another viable candidate, currently leads the All Blacks XV's attack and could see November as his proving ground.
Among the outsiders, James Marshall, Brad Cooper, Cory Brown, and Jason O’Halloran are domestic talents with eyes on the prize, though their ascension to the top role would surprise many.
The wildcard entries stir the pot further. Ex-All Black coach Brad Mooar, despite a turbulent past with the team, and coaching heavyweight Wayne Smith, might just re-enter the fray. Ronan O’Gara and Tony Brown, though high-profile, appear long shots, with Brown particularly settled in his role with the Springboks.
As for the improbable options - Leon MacDonald and Dave Rennie - their potential appointments would shock and likely stir controversy, something Robertson might steer clear of as he aims to stabilize and strengthen his squad. With the coaching carousel in full spin, the next few months promise intense speculation and strategic decisions that could redefine the All Blacks' trajectory.