All Blacks may be dancing to Robertson’s tune
Scott Robertson will observe All Blacks coach Steve Hansen’s looming decision surrounding his future with an eager eye.
Off-contract with the Crusaders after the 2019 Super Rugby season, Robertson makes no secret Hansen’s decision will play a part in his own ‘‘big decision’’ in three or four months.
Hansen, 59, will shortly decide whether or not he wants to coach the All Blacks beyond next year’s World Cup in Japan. If he does, it would then be up to the NZ Rugby board to decide if they want to reappoint him.
Robertson, having guided the Crusaders to back-to-back Super titles, and New Zealand to an under-20 World Cup crown in 2015, is one of a bunch of possible candidates, should the job become vacant.
‘‘The All Blacks job doesn’t come up too often. When it does, you have to have a real good look at it,’’ Robertson said yesterday.
‘‘The biggest thing for me – that’s served me well – is the patience side of it, and the ability to get your timing right. I’ve got a great job at the moment and I’ve got a big decision in the next three or four months – what’s going to happen in 2020, and I’ll see where the cards fall with other coaches and what opportunities there are.’’
One card has already fallen in the aftermath of the 2018 season.
Ireland’s Kiwi coach, Joe Schmidt, announced he will finish coaching after the 2019 World Cup, leaving defence coach Andy Farrell to take over.
Schmidt, having guided Ireland to a 16-9 win against the All Blacks less than a fortnight
ago in Dublin, had been widely touted to return home and succeed Hansen.
Robertson is good friends with Ireland assistant coach Greg Feek, a former Crusaders teammate, and suspects Schmidt will take one or two years to recharge the batteries.
Asked whether he was interested in other jobs in addition to the All Blacks, Robertson said he was going into the next three or four months with an open mind, although Hansen’s decision would play a ‘‘big part’’
in his next move. ‘‘You look at everything, every time this comes up,’’ Robertson said.
‘‘When you are a coach, you have to look at all options and that’s what I’m doing. My foremost is here at the Crusaders. We’ve got great continuity, cohesion, I love the boys.
‘‘I’m working with the New Zealand Rugby union at the moment about what it [2020 and beyond] looks like. We know Steve [Hansen] is going to make a play soon, so we’ll see what he has to say.’’