In the wake of Scott Robertson's unexpected exit, the All Blacks coaching saga intensifies with Jamie Joseph and Dave Rennie emerging as the prime candidates. Eddie Jones, a seasoned voice in rugby, has thrown his weight behind the duo, praising their credentials for the top job in New Zealand rugby.
Both Joseph and Rennie have carved out impressive careers with stints internationally, making them front-runners after others like Joe Schmidt and John Mitchell bowed out of contention. New Zealand Rugby has made it clear; the next coach must be a Kiwi with a solid international track record, a criteria both Joseph and Rennie meet. Reflecting on their capabilities, Jones shared his insights, noting, “Jamie’s had a good apprenticeship with Japan... Dave Rennie was doing a good job with Australia; he has got a great record at the Chiefs and Glasgow, and he’s coaching in form at the moment. His Kobe team is playing unbelievably.”
"New Zealand rugby is so strong that they need their own coaches, and there are some good guys there." - Eddie Jones
Amidst the coaching shuffle, Jones also highlighted a strategic move for the All Blacks—bringing back powerhouse lock Brodie Retallick. Currently dazzling in the Japan Rugby League, Retallick's performance has not gone unnoticed by Jones, who advocates for his return despite the player’s age.
"I tell you, mate, the All Black I’d get back is Brodie Retallick. You should see him play up here. 35! He’s the best player here by an absolute mile; every game is absolutely sensational." - Eddie Jones
Jones dismisses concerns about Retallick’s age, pointing to trends in sports where players extend their careers well beyond traditional retirement ages. He emphatically suggests, “So he’d be a guy that if I did get a tap on the shoulder, I’d be saying, ‘Come on let’s go, let’s go again, whatever they’re paying you, we’ll pay you double’.”
As the All Blacks gear up for a new chapter, the choice of their next head coach and the potential return of a star player like Retallick could very well redefine their game strategy and international dominance. The rugby world watches keenly as New Zealand pens the next pages of its storied rugby history.