‘Razor’ reveals grilling in ABs interview

Crusaders coach Scott “Razor” Robertson has revealed how World Cup-winning mentor Graham Henry cornered him with difficult questions during his interview to become All Blacks coach.

Robertson was unsuccessful, the position going to Ian Foster.

It has left Robertson vowing the next time he applies for the job he will make sure he is as articulate as he can be, having learned his lessons from Henry’s unrelenting scrutiny.

Speaking on the Will Greenwood podcast about his failed bid to coach his country following successful years at the helm of the Super Rugbywinning Crusaders, Robertson explained: “I had bought a new suit for the presentation and in the end I just thought: ‘I’m just going to be myself’, and then the questions just came at me.

“And they were great — I wanted them to challenge me. Graham Henry was on the interview panel and was really deep. He put me in a corner with a couple of questions and he wouldn’t let me out. It was quite a challenging moment and made me think. I left like I maybe hadn’t articulated myself as well as I could have or should have.

“I knew they were coming, and I just did my best. I walked out of there thinking they knew what they were going to get and how I was going to coach it.

“I was clear that I felt I could make a real difference and bring my own personality.

“I outlined who I thought would be there for us at the next World Cup in 2023 and where we needed to develop some players, some depth. If it was about the continuity thing, and if that’s why Ian got it, then great, I’ll get it another time.”

● This article first appeared on RugbyPass.com and has been republished with permission.