The shockwaves from New Zealand Rugby's decision to axe All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson continue to reverberate. Scott Stevenson, a respected Kiwi pundit, unleashed a fiery tirade on his Sport Nations show, accusing the rugby union of orchestrating a "hit job" and dismissing due process.
Stevenson's critique centered around the exclusion of rugby luminary Sir Wayne Smith from the review process, despite his deep involvement with the team. "I’m blindsided by this, I had no idea," Smith confessed, highlighting his surprise at the decision. Stevenson pointed out the irony, stating, "So your wide-ranging review does not involve your foremost expert on the game? That’s astonishing to me."
"They obviously feel that the win percentages wasn’t going to improve, although that is just guesswork."
The broadcaster didn't hold back, suggesting that the review was more of a pantomime than a genuine attempt to address issues. "This is not about whether you believe in Scott Robertson, the All Black coach. It’s whether you want to believe in due process and following processes, and whether you want to believe that a fair process has been run here."
Controversy also surrounds the manner of Robertson's gag order. Stevenson revealed, "So New Zealand Rugby get to front a press conference... I’m led to believe that members of the senior executive of New Zealand had no idea what he was going to say in that press conference, by the way." The abruptness of the decision left assistant coaches and some senior players, including Richie Mo’unga, in the dark until moments before the announcement.
Amidst rumors of a player-led revolt influencing the board's decision, Stevenson called out the obvious disconnect.
"So you’re telling me that certain players haven’t led this? I’m calling bulls**t. Certain players have led this."
This statement underscores the pundit's belief that internal politics may have played a significant role in Robertson's ousting.
Stevenson didn't shy away from criticizing the overall structure and reputation of New Zealand Rugby, hinting at a pattern of discontent among those who depart. "In my experience... I have not once heard of anyone who has left New Zealand Rugby with good things to say. What does that tell you about the organisation?"
This explosive critique by Stevenson paints a picture of an organization in turmoil, where transparency and fairness seem to have taken a back seat to undisclosed agendas and internal politics.
2,193 posts
The shockwaves from New Zealand Rugby's decision to axe All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson continue to reverberate. Scott Stevenson, a respected Kiwi pundit, unleashed a fiery tirade on his Sport Nations show, accusing the rugby union of orchestrating a "hit job" and dismissing due process.
Stevenson's critique centered around the exclusion of rugby luminary Sir Wayne Smith from the review process, despite his deep involvement with the team. "I’m blindsided by this, I had no idea," Smith confessed, highlighting his surprise at the decision. Stevenson pointed out the irony, stating, "So your wide-ranging review does not involve your foremost expert on the game? That’s astonishing to me."
"They obviously feel that the win percentages wasn’t going to improve, although that is just guesswork."
The broadcaster didn't hold back, suggesting that the review was more of a pantomime than a genuine attempt to address issues. "This is not about whether you believe in Scott Robertson, the All Black coach. It’s whether you want to believe in due process and following processes, and whether you want to believe that a fair process has been run here."
Controversy also surrounds the manner of Robertson's gag order. Stevenson revealed, "So New Zealand Rugby get to front a press conference... I’m led to believe that members of the senior executive of New Zealand had no idea what he was going to say in that press conference, by the way." The abruptness of the decision left assistant coaches and some senior players, including Richie Mo’unga, in the dark until moments before the announcement.
Amidst rumors of a player-led revolt influencing the board's decision, Stevenson called out the obvious disconnect.
"So you’re telling me that certain players haven’t led this? I’m calling bulls**t. Certain players have led this."
This statement underscores the pundit's belief that internal politics may have played a significant role in Robertson's ousting.Stevenson didn't shy away from criticizing the overall structure and reputation of New Zealand Rugby, hinting at a pattern of discontent among those who depart. "In my experience... I have not once heard of anyone who has left New Zealand Rugby with good things to say. What does that tell you about the organisation?"
This explosive critique by Stevenson paints a picture of an organization in turmoil, where transparency and fairness seem to have taken a back seat to undisclosed agendas and internal politics.