New Zealand Rugby have claimed that a comment attributed to Scott Robertson, which rather raised eyebrows, has been taken \u201cout of context\u201d.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Those two have worked closely together over the years, with their partnership absolutely crucial in the Crusaders\u2019 success, but that comment certainly took people by surprise.<\/p>\n
It was reported by the Herald that Hansen \u201ceffectively operates in the role most would recognise as the head coach\u201d.<\/p>\n
NZR\u2019s clarification<\/p>\n
NZR have since issued a response to that after the general manager of professional rugby and performance, Chris Lendrum, fronted the media.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m 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<\/a>,\u201d Lendrum told reporters.<\/p>\n \u201cThe head coach of the All Blacks is Scott Robertson<\/a>. That\u2019s what we appointed him to do.<\/p>\n \u201cBut Scott has a serious and significant role to play in how the week is structured and how we build into performance.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n All Blacks: Scott Robertson set for New Zealand Rugby \u2018interrogation\u2019 as judgement day beckons after another underwhelming season<\/a><\/p>\n