Yip... total joke.
As a Bok supporter, i'm happy to see his back. He's a flippin good coach.
Yip... total joke.
As a Bok supporter, i'm happy to see his back. He's a flippin good coach.
2,193 posts
The All Blacks have seemingly surrendered their position as pioneers of World Rugby with the controversial dismissal of head coach Scott Robertson. Prominent New Zealand sports commentator Scotty Stevenson has vehemently criticized New Zealand Rugby's move to fire Robertson just 18 months ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, suggesting that Super Rugby's relevance as a proving ground for international coaches might be diminishing.
Robertson, who clinched seven titles with the Crusaders, was unceremoniously dropped, a stark contrast to his predecessor Ian Foster, who despite similar pressures, was allowed to complete his contract and even led the team to a World Cup final. "Scott Robertson was treated unfairly," Stevenson asserted, highlighting the inconsistency in handling coaching transitions.
"It doesn’t worry me whether you think Scott Robertson was the right person for the job or not. What it all boils down to me is, has the organisation been fair? That should be a concern for people,"
Stevenson dismissed NZ Rugby chairman David Kirk's denial of a player revolt influencing Robertson's sacking, instead pointing out broader implications about the state of the sport in New Zealand. "You’ve said now that’s never going to be good enough again," Stevenson lamented, implying that New Zealand Rugby no longer views domestic achievements as sufficient for international coaching credentials.
The commentator also criticized the approach of treating the national team like a Premier League club, where coaches are rapidly replaced at the slightest dissatisfaction from influential board members or ownership groups. He compared Robertson’s win ratio unfavorably to that of Rassie Erasmus, noting, "Scott Robertson is no longer All Blacks coach based on a 74% win ratio."
Stevenson’s frustrations were palpable as he discussed the broader issues facing New Zealand Rugby, which currently lacks a CEO and a head coach, with vital roles unfilled just two years before a major international tournament. "If you were an outsider looking at New Zealand rugby right now, wouldn’t you just say, 'What is going on there?'" he questioned, underscoring the chaotic state of affairs.
This upheaval within the most storied team in rugby underscores a period of significant turmoil and casts doubt on the strategic direction of New Zealand Rugby as they navigate towards future World Cups.