The All Blacks' coaching saga continues to stir the pot, with ex-international Murray Mexted pointing the finger squarely at the top brass, including head coach Scott Robertson. Despite a win over Wales, the recent exit of backs coach Jason Holland marks another chapter of instability. With attack coach Leon MacDonald also out earlier in Robertson's tenure, questions are mounting if this could be a case of too many chiefs and not enough Indians.
Mexted, a voice seasoned with experience, did not mince words about the current coaching overload. "
"Too many cooks spoil the broth. How can a head coach, if he has seven assistant coaches, keep them all happy?"
Razor can't keep everyone happy," Mexted expressed in a discussion with Martin Devlin on DSPN. He argues that the coaching exodus was inevitable—not due to a lack of talent, but perhaps an overabundance of leadership that diluted the team's direction.
While assistant coach Jason Ryan, who played a pivotal role in the 2023 Rugby World Cup run, seems to be handling his business quietly, the spotlight intensifies on Robertson. Mexted backs Robertson's capability, emphasizing his magnetic personality and proven track record with the Crusaders. "Razor's the head coach and he's got the gravitas and the right personality. Clearly the players like him, which I think is a really important thing," Mexted affirmed.
Despite winning 10 of their 13 Tests under Robertson, the three losses were significant, costing them the Rugby Championship title and a Grand Slam. This dip in form has sparked comments about the All Blacks losing their intimidating aura—a sentiment that Mexted passionately refutes. "
"We spent 100 years creating that aura and it does exist. It’s not gone but it means that they’ve got some work to do to get it back, in the next 12 months particularly,"
he lamented.
As the All Blacks look to rebuild and refine their coaching structure, the rugby world watches closely. Will simplifying the chain of command restore the former glory of New Zealand's rugby powerhouse? Only time will tell, but for now, the buck stops with Robertson and his streamlined team of lieutenants.
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The All Blacks' coaching saga continues to stir the pot, with ex-international Murray Mexted pointing the finger squarely at the top brass, including head coach Scott Robertson. Despite a win over Wales, the recent exit of backs coach Jason Holland marks another chapter of instability. With attack coach Leon MacDonald also out earlier in Robertson's tenure, questions are mounting if this could be a case of too many chiefs and not enough Indians.
Mexted, a voice seasoned with experience, did not mince words about the current coaching overload. "
"Too many cooks spoil the broth. How can a head coach, if he has seven assistant coaches, keep them all happy?"
Razor can't keep everyone happy," Mexted expressed in a discussion with Martin Devlin on DSPN. He argues that the coaching exodus was inevitable—not due to a lack of talent, but perhaps an overabundance of leadership that diluted the team's direction.While assistant coach Jason Ryan, who played a pivotal role in the 2023 Rugby World Cup run, seems to be handling his business quietly, the spotlight intensifies on Robertson. Mexted backs Robertson's capability, emphasizing his magnetic personality and proven track record with the Crusaders. "Razor's the head coach and he's got the gravitas and the right personality. Clearly the players like him, which I think is a really important thing," Mexted affirmed.
Despite winning 10 of their 13 Tests under Robertson, the three losses were significant, costing them the Rugby Championship title and a Grand Slam. This dip in form has sparked comments about the All Blacks losing their intimidating aura—a sentiment that Mexted passionately refutes. "
"We spent 100 years creating that aura and it does exist. It’s not gone but it means that they’ve got some work to do to get it back, in the next 12 months particularly,"
he lamented.As the All Blacks look to rebuild and refine their coaching structure, the rugby world watches closely. Will simplifying the chain of command restore the former glory of New Zealand's rugby powerhouse? Only time will tell, but for now, the buck stops with Robertson and his streamlined team of lieutenants.