New Zealand Rugby have claimed that a comment attributed to Scott Robertson, which rather raised eyebrows, has been taken “out of context”.
In a report last month by New Zealand Herald, it was stated that Robertson told the newspaper that assistant Scott Hansen effectively acted as the All Blacks head coach, with the 51-year-old more of an overseer.
Those two have worked closely together over the years, with their partnership absolutely crucial in the Crusaders’ success, but that comment certainly took people by surprise.
It was reported by the Herald that Hansen “effectively operates in the role most would recognise as the head coach”.
NZR’s clarification
NZR have since issued a response to that after the general manager of professional rugby and performance, Chris Lendrum, fronted the media.
“I’m not sure of the exact quote, but I think the sentiment is out of context a bit. Scott Hansen helps to set up the performance week for the All Blacks,” Lendrum told reporters.
“The head coach of the All Blacks is Scott Robertson. That’s what we appointed him to do.
“But Scott has a serious and significant role to play in how the week is structured and how we build into performance.”
Many expected Robertson to thrive in the role of All Blacks head coach after making the jump up from the Crusaders, but it has not gone smoothly.
They have suffered seven defeats over the past two years, while two of the original coaching group, Leon MacDonald and Jason Holland, have departed the set-up.
NZR and Robertson have so far decided not to replace either MacDonald or Holland and it is not guaranteed that they will bring anyone in.
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‘All options on the table’
“We have got some decisions to make around the coaching group with all options on the table,” Lendrum said.
“Whether to directly replace Jason or to look at the balance that we’ve got, and to consider if there is any other way to do things. That’s all part of the purpose of the review.”
A review is currently underway into the All Blacks’ mixed 2025 campaign and, although there is currently no suggestion that any of the current coaches are under threat, Lendrum was asked to clarify his “all options” comment.
“It just means that whenever you bring someone new into a group, or whenever someone leaves a group, you’ve got a different group,” he added.
“Just confirming what the roles and responsibilities are and what the team really needs, that’s an opportunity to reflect on that question in the review process.”