Crusaders coach opens up
Scott Robertson doesn’t want to begin his working day by slamming the car door, and snarling about the gloomy weather.
He also doesn’t believe in wearing a scowl as he strides through the doors at the Crusaders’ training base at Rugby Park in Christchurch, or giving someone who spills the ball at training the hair dryer treatment.
Having recently celebrated his team winning a second Super Rugby title in as many years, Robertson hasn’t got much to complain about. Some might say he hasn’t changed his tune, if that’s the case.
As his assistant backs coach Ronan O’Gara recently noted in a column for an Irish newspaper, Robertson is a glass half-full type which, in turn, makes turning up for the work pretty easy.
The bloke himself says he has multiple reasons for being cheerful.
‘‘It is just probably in my nature, I naturally see the positive in things so my energy is quite strong and high,’’ Robertson says. ‘‘It is quite humbling to hear that from Rog [O’Gara], he didn’t need to say that. But I can also have hard conversations, and make hard decisions. I have to get that balance right, but be myself more importantly.’’
On the subject of making tough calls, Robertson couldn’t afford to shirk them ahead of the playoffs. Emotions ran high when he elected to leave departing prop Wyatt Crockett, a loyal servant since 2006, out of the teams to play the semifinal and final against the Hurricanes and Lions. Another All Black, fullback/wing Israel Dagg, never featured in the playoffs but could at least take some consolation from knowing he would return next year.
‘‘They were decisions I made with every bit of fact I could get, and what I thought was best for the team,’’ Robertson explained. ‘‘I tried to have those conversations really skilfully and explain the why. I love them but I am doing it for the team. But it is still tough.’’
Dealing with young players, some who are paid more than a CEO of a small company, can be a complicated art. Coaches cannot allow these men to think they are soft and out of touch, or risk alienating them by shouting too much.
Having so many All Blacks, led by skipper Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read, Matt Todd and Ryan Crotty means the noninternationals know what is required of them. With the players setting the high standards the coaches job can be made easier. Yet Robertson is mindful he shouldn’t hammer a player if makes an error.
‘‘You create an environment where they care about what they are doing, rather than having fear – fear of making mistakes. So they work hard, and do the right thing. Once you start talking about mistakes and errors, it is in the forefront of their mind.’’
Positive reinforcement can be a powerful tool. He is aware an unkind comment can do more damage than good and in a brutal game like rugby.
‘‘Some days you drop the ball and don’t catch everything. Just a simple term can make a massive difference in your language and behaviour, and people can feed off it.
‘‘That is a big thing. Guys are going to come in and be with people they love and care about. They are going to give more, especially in our sport where bodies are on the line.’’
By blooding 16 debutants throughout the season Robertson has been careful to ensure another layer of talent was nurtured. And given he named his squad on November 1, which was followed by the non-All Blacks assembling for pre-season training about a month later, a Super Rugby campaign is clearly not a short-term project.
Once the season proper starts, the wheel just keeps turning: previews, reviews, team namings, practicing new plays, meetings with medical staff and trainings – on it goes. Outside of this, the head coach has an intray loaded with other tasks that require his attention.
Player, or staff, recruitment, emails from Sanzaar about refereeing, formats and potential restructuring are all part of the deal. Robertson also likes to make time to chat to his players.
‘‘It’s certainly not an ordinary 40 hour week. It is intense, getting the balance right is important. Sleep and food – coffee and exercise are pretty critical.’’
It is relentless and tough. Robertson revels in it.
‘‘I do love it. On the Wednesday after all the celebrations I woke up and, jeez, I was bored. What’s next? It was finished. I wanted to keep going. ‘‘Now everyone has gone their own way and this group won’t be together again. Life in the rugby world moves on.’’