No wonder we are currently absolutely PATHETIC.
The negligence at NZR is not acceptable.
No wonder we are currently absolutely PATHETIC.
The negligence at NZR is not acceptable.
2,193 posts
In a twist that's stirring up the All Blacks camp, players have reportedly been directed to discuss their selection concerns with assistant coaches instead of head honcho Scott Robertson. This development emerges amidst a broader critique of the team's leadership and strategy after a less-than-stellar 2025 season.
The New Zealand Herald has unveiled that players seeking clarity on their game-time decisions are being rerouted to Scott Hansen or Jason Ryan, rather than getting answers straight from Robertson. This redirection comes at a time when New Zealand Rugby is conducting a review following a year where the All Blacks lost three of their 13 matches and didn’t clinch the Rugby Championship—a stark contrast to their previous successes.
Internal reports highlight "widespread internal frustrations" focusing on "communication, trust, strategy and selection" within the team, with players reportedly delivering "stinging feedback" about the current coaching regime. In an eye-opening statement to the Herald, Robertson admitted that Hansen "effectively operates in the role most would recognize as the head coach," though he later amended these comments to assert his continued oversight and ultimate decision-making power.
"He has clarified with the Herald that he maintains a high degree of operational oversight, vetoes or amends tactical plans presented by assistant coach Scott Hansen and that he makes the final call in selection and operates in the same way as most other head coaches in the international arena,"
As the All Blacks struggle to keep up with the top-tier teams like the Springboks and face increasing pressure from England, France, and Ireland, the spotlight intensifies on Robertson's leadership. Despite these pressures, it seems unlikely that New Zealand Rugby will opt for a mid-cycle coaching change, but the atmosphere heading into the 2026 Test campaign is one of palpable tension and uncertainty.
With Robertson at the helm since the post-2023 Rugby World Cup era began, the anticipation was high for a revitalized All Blacks team. However, the reality has been a series of setbacks and criticisms, raising questions about whether the storied coach can steer the team back to its former glory or if the legendary New Zealand squad is in for more turbulent times.