Rugby World Cup 2027: Given the All Blacks’ obvious flaws over the last two seasons. It seems almost certain that the team will move to replace the departing Jason Holland. That is the view of reporter Patrick McKendry, who notes Holland’s exit. And the question of who might take over will be a central part of New Zealand Rugby’s upcoming end-of-season review.
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During a media call yesterday, New Zealand Rugby’s head of the professional game, Chris Lendrum, made it clear that decisions are looming. We’ve got some decisions to make on the coaching group,” he said. We need to consider whether to replace Jason or to look at the balance we’ve got and think about whether there’s a different way to do things.
His comments highlight that nothing is being ruled out, including restructuring the coaching setup entirely. Head coach Scott Robertson, however, has avoided giving a firm answer on whether Holland, the second assistant to walk away during his tenure, will actually be replaced.
Holland announced that he would not renew his two-year contract on the very day the All Blacks departed on their Grand Slam tour to face Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales. His timing surprised many and added fuel to the speculation already brewing around the team’s inner workings.
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Rugby World Cup: NZ Rugby Defends Robertson’s Authority Amid Growing Speculation
Last year brought its own shock when assistant coach Leon MacDonald abruptly stepped down just eight months into the job. Citing philosophical differences with Robertson. MacDonald became the first All Blacks assistant coach ever to voluntarily leave before his contract was up.
And while Holland has insisted that nothing specific pushed him out. The fact that two assistants have now left early raises unavoidable questions about the working environment under Robertson and his right-hand man, Scott Hansen.
Within rugby circles, it has long been understood that Hansen wields significant influence in the coaching group, which also includes Jason Ryan and Tamati Ellison. To many insiders, Robertson functions more like a modern director of rugby overseeing the big picture.
Hansen handles the more detailed, hands-on coaching responsibilities that people traditionally associate with a head coach. Even so, Lendrum pushed back against the idea that Hansen is running the show. He stressed that Robertson is still fully the head coach in every meaningful sense.
Scott Hansen helps set up the performance week for the All Blacks, Lendrum said. But the head coach of the All Blacks is Scott Robertson, that’s exactly what we appointed him to be. Scott Hansen has a serious and significant role in how the week is structured and how we build toward performance, but the leadership remains with Robertson.
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Rugby World Cup Final: All Blacks Likely to Add New Assistant Coach
Despite those assurances, it appears highly likely that New Zealand Rugby will appoint another assistant coach. Especially considering the issues evident in the All Blacks’ performances over the last two years. This season, Robertson’s side won 10 of their 13 Tests, but their losses to Argentina, South Africa, and England were all marked by the same alarming pattern.
Once the opposition began piling on points, the All Blacks seemed unable to halt the momentum or adjust quickly. There were problems with the attack as well. At times, the team struggled to break down well-organised defences, and their transition defence frequently let them down.
Perhaps most concerning was their vulnerability at set pieces against England. They conceded two tries directly from these situations, something almost unheard of for the All Blacks. Another major area needing improvement is their ability to field high balls.
Robertson has gone so far as to call the high ball a modern set piece, putting it on the same level of importance as scrums, lineouts, and restarts. Veteran Sky commentator Tony Johnson recently remarked on Sport Nation radio that he fully expects New Zealand Rugby to bring in a specialist coach to address this weakness.
In his view, the All Blacks are now clearly behind teams like South Africa, Ireland, France, England, Argentina, and even Australia. Currently ranked seventh in the world in dealing with contestable kicks.
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