It has been announced that Jason Holland will leave the All Blacks set-up at the end of the season, so we have delved into his potential replacements.<\/p>\n
While Scott Robertson decided not to bring in another coach after Leon MacDonald, it is pretty much certain that they will need to find someone else following Holland\u2019s exit.<\/p>\n
We duly look at the runners and riders for that role.<\/p>\n
Frontrunners: Roger Randle, Andrew Goodman, Scott Hansen<\/p>\n
According to Robertson<\/a>, he has not yet thought about a potential replacement, but he must surely have a shortlist in mind, and these three may well be at the top of the list.<\/p>\n Randle was in charge of the best attack in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific in the Chiefs, and is almost certainly someone the All Blacks<\/a> boss will consider. They were free-flowing under the attack guru, while the national team currently have a number of Chiefs stars in their 23.<\/p>\n Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter and, when fit, Emoni Narawa could all feasibly be picked in a matchday squad. Randle is therefore the most logical option from a domestic standpoint.<\/p>\n If Robertson wants to appoint internally, there is the possibility of giving Hansen full control of the attack and backs, and looking elsewhere for a defence coach. Since Leon MacDonald\u2019s departure, Hansen has had extra responsibility, but it may be better if he focuses on just one area of the game.<\/p>\n New Zealand\u2019s head coach could also search internationally, and in that case, Goodman comes into the equation. While he is currently Ireland backs coach, he knows Robertson well given their time together at the Crusaders and the Nelson-born former centre would probably be open to a return home.<\/p>\n In the mix: Joe Schmidt, David Hill<\/p>\n There is arguably no better coach than Schmidt<\/a>, but it obviously depends on his personal situation and whether he would be willing to commit to such a role. The 60-year-old is available due to his contract with Rugby Australia expiring next July, and he would be a magnificent replacement for Holland.<\/p>\n He, of course, helped out in 2022 when Brad Mooar was sacked and played a key role in the All Blacks reaching the Rugby World Cup final in 2023, but there may be a reluctance from both parties to do a deal considering his comments about Robertson.<\/p>\n Schmidt questioned Robertson\u2019s integrity over his role in New Zealand Rugby\u2019s search to appoint Ian Foster\u2019s successor and, although both coaches have since insisted there are no issues, it may still be slightly awkward.<\/p>\n That could therefore open the door for someone like Hill, who is part of the second-string All Blacks XV coaching group. He has been in charge of the attack for that team and November could prove to be a useful audition for him.<\/p>\n