Is the All Blacks dynasty crumbling? After a string of disheartening losses, the pressure is mounting, and the spotlight is intensely focused on the coaching staff. But head coach Scott Robertson is standing firm, publicly backing his team despite the growing concerns.
Following a painful 33-19 defeat to England at Twickenham – a match that saw the All Blacks concede a crushing 25 unanswered points – questions are swirling about the team's direction under Robertson's leadership. This loss wasn't just a defeat; it shattered their Grand Slam aspirations and served as another glaring example of the team's persistent vulnerabilities. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just one bad game, it's a pattern.
Robertson's coaching group, including assistants Scott Hansen, Jason Ryan, and Jason Holland, are inevitably under scrutiny. The England loss felt like a pre-determined outcome once the home side responded to early tries from Leicester Fainga’anuku and Codie Taylor. But it's not an isolated incident. Remember the Murrayfield match just a week prior? The All Blacks allowed Scotland to score 17 consecutive points before Damian McKenzie's heroics salvaged a narrow victory. And let's not forget the 20 unanswered points conceded against Argentina in Buenos Aires, or the shocking 36 points leaked in a single half against the Springboks in Wellington – a record defeat on home soil.
Appearing before the New Zealand media from Cardiff, where the team is preparing for their final Test against Wales, Robertson made a strong statement of support for his assistants. He emphasized their unwavering work ethic and deep understanding of the demands of Test rugby.
"Of course, I do," Robertson stated emphatically when asked if he backed his coaching team. "We’ve got a group with an incredible work ethic. We’ve been experienced enough to understand what Test footy is all about. We spend a lot of time to ensure the players get enough into them that is required for Test level. We’ll look at it again for sure."
But here's where it gets controversial... While Robertson is contracted until the end of 2027, his assistants are on two-year terms. Holland had already announced his intention not to renew his contract before the tour began. This raises significant questions about the stability and appeal of the assistant coach roles. Robertson remained tight-lipped on whether Holland, the former Hurricanes head coach responsible for the All Blacks' attack, would be replaced. The timing of Holland's decision, coupled with Leon MacDonald's surprising resignation during the previous year's Rugby Championship (citing philosophical differences with Robertson), paints a picture of potential internal challenges within the coaching setup. MacDonald's position, notably, was never filled.
As is standard practice, the All Blacks management will conduct a thorough end-of-season review, incorporating input from external experts. Robertson, now with a 19-win, seven-loss record (a 73% win rate), found himself on the defensive when asked whether the team had improved, worsened, or stagnated under his guidance.
"It’s a pretty leading question," Robertson responded, suggesting the premise was unfair. He acknowledged the team's failure to consistently execute opportunities, emphasizing it wasn't due to a lack of effort. "All our stats that we keep – the boys’ efforts are so high. That’s what we’re really proud of as a group. We’ve just got to finish more." He concluded, "The inability to execute – that’s the part that really stings you."
One potential explanation for the All Blacks' struggles under pressure is the inexperience within the squad and a perceived lack of leadership on the field. In the London match, several starters – including loose forwards Simon Parker and Peter Lakai, centre Billy Proctor, and wings Leroy Carter and Leicester Fainga’anuku – had played ten or fewer Tests. Parker and Carter are in their debut year at this level.
The same holds true for lock Fabian Holland (11 Tests), who was replaced in the starting lineup by Josh Lord (now with 11 caps) due to illness, with Sam Darry (eight Tests) joining the bench. While some growing pains are expected, the presence of seasoned veterans like captain Scott Barrett (88 Tests), vice-captains Codie Taylor (107) and Ardie Savea (106), and Beauden Barrett (144) raises questions about why their experience isn't translating into greater consistency and composure under pressure.
The lack of consistent progress is undeniable. With the Rugby World Cup in Australia less than two years away and a demanding tour of South Africa looming next August, the All Blacks face a critical need for rapid and significant improvement.
When confronted with anecdotal concerns from fans about the team's World Cup prospects, given their recent form, Robertson responded: "Firstly, I’ll say we have a team that cares deeply about the black jersey, and we work tirelessly to make sure we work hard to be warriors on the field and champions off it because that’s a really important part of it. We haven’t quite got the results we’ve worked really hard for. We do feel it just like they do."
Finally, when asked if he felt he had the support of New Zealand Rugby chairman David Kirk, Robertson affirmed, "He’s pretty pragmatic – he tells it like it is, as you’d expect. He’s hugely supportive. He understands – he’s got relationships in the group."
So, what do you think? Is Robertson the right man to lead the All Blacks forward? Are the issues fixable with the current coaching structure? Or is a more significant overhaul needed before the World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
