There are “widespread internal frustrations” within the All Blacks camp following a mixed couple of years under head coach Scott Robertson.
That is according to a report in New Zealand, which suggests that all is not well in the national team after a series of mediocre performances since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final defeat.
Robertson arrived as the All Blacks boss to much fanfare after he built a dynasty at the Crusaders, winning seven Super Rugby titles in as many seasons, but he now finds himself under pressure.
Lack of silverware
They have not won the Rugby Championship title since the Ian Foster era, who claimed four in a row, while their Grand Slam tour proved to be a damp squib, with England ending their hopes following a dominant display.
In a scathing piece in the New Zealand Herald it states that “feedback from players and staff presents a deeply concerning picture of the All Blacks environment, with multiple sources pointing to widespread internal frustrations.”
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have begun their review into the 2025 campaign and it appears as though it has already presented some worrying findings for the governing body.
“Two assistant coaches, Leon MacDonald and Jason Holland, voluntarily departing in the last two years sparked red-flag concerns with how the All Blacks are being run. But the fresh, stinging feedback from within – with communication, trust, strategy and selection all believed to have been raised – cannot be ignored,” the Herald claimed.
“All teams have unhappy players with selection, but concerns with the All Blacks environment are believed to spread well beyond individuals alone.”
Robertson is not the first person to find himself under pressure midway through his tenure with Foster also enduring the same fate.
The 60-year-old was famously saved by the players, who urged NZR to keep hold of the then-head coach with assistants John Plumtree and Brad Mooar being axed instead.
They may not be so forgiving with Robertson, however, with suggestions that the players are not quite so complimentary about his regime.
NZR’s ‘dilemma’
“Such a situation leaves NZ Rugby facing a pressing dilemma. Do they act now or retain faith in Robertson and his remaining coaching team?” the report added.
“While it seems unfathomable that Robertson, halfway through his four-year contract, could be removed as head coach, insiders believe NZ Rugby is gripped by uncertainty.”
Robertson has confirmed that the outcome of the review will be known by the end of January and it is highly likely to provide the head coach with a stay of execution.
However, the governing body could be pressured into a further review should the players not be happy with the findings.
“At this stage, NZ Rugby is likely to allow Robertson further time to deliver significant improvements but if the players aren’t satisfied with the initial post-season All Blacks review findings and solutions – which could range from changes in coaching personnel to roles and responsibilities – they may request a second review is conducted,” the Herald claimed.