Ex-Wallaby Greg Martin believes that Scott Robertson would be better suited to being the Australia head coach and has urged him to cross the Tasman Sea.
The 51-year-old was sacked as All Blacks boss midway through his four-year contract in January despite achieving a 74 per cent win percentage.
NZ Rugby were unhappy with the “trajectory” they were on under Robertson and are now searching for a new head honcho to take them into the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
New Wallabies boss in 2026
Rugby Australia will also be making a coaching change this year with Les Kiss getting his chance in the hotseat when Joe Schmidt leaves his role in July.
Martin wishes, however, that it was the Crusaders legend who would be replacing Schmidt.
“New Zealand’s standards are far higher than Australian rugby’s standards,” he told DSPN with Martin Devlin.
“I know we’ve gone through a lot of coaches – we keep changing the coach – but is it the coach’s fault?
“I love Razor, he loves Australia, I would love to have him over here. I wish he could coach Australia because I reckon his attitude would suit Australian rugby more than it suits All Black rugby.
“Razor, if you hear anything of this, come on over mate, we actually need you.”
Martin explained why Robertson might thrive in an Australian environment compared to what occurred when All Blacks boss.
Reports indicated he was a changed man after taking over from Ian Foster as New Zealand head coach, but there would be less pressure at the Wallabies.
‘More Aussie than Kiwi’
“It is a bit more chilled [in Australia]. The guy’s a surfer. One of his favourite things is coming to Australia and going surfing and that’s an attitude,” Martin said.
“Surfing’s not just a physical thing… it’s an attitude and it suits Australia more than the intensity and earnestness of New Zealand rugby.
“You guys take yourself far too seriously whereas Razor was breakdancing after winning championships.
“When the work is there to be done, yes he will do it, but then he’s able to switch off. I reckon he’s got more Aussie in him than New Zealand, so I think you sent us the wrong New Zealand coach – I reckon we should have had Razor.”
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Robertson’s successor is still to be decided but Jamie Joseph and Dave Rennie are seen as the two frontrunners.
They are two excellent candidates but Martin is in no doubt who should be the next All Blacks head coach.
“I would have said Jamie Joseph, I always prefer a forward to be coaching teams. He has a hard-nosed attitude,” he said.
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