Robertson, Foster set to face off
All Blacks coach Ian Foster could go head-to-head with Scott Robertson in a coaching duel not to be missed.
Less than six months after missing out on the All Blacks job, Stuff understands hugely successful Crusaders coach Robertson is set for another chance to get the better of Foster.
While nothing is yet set in concrete, Robertson is being lined up to coach one of the teams in a touted All Blacks trial later this year.
There has been much talk of a good old fashion All Blacks trial returning this year, as New Zealand Rugby (NZR) digs deep in wake of the Covid-19 pandemic bringing the sport to its knees.
Asking Robertson, who had a compelling case to replace Steve Hansen after guiding the Crusaders to three-straight Super titles, to coach against the man he missed out to is just the kind of thinking required.
Fozzie, who powered the All Blacks’ attack in recent years, and worked under Hansen between 2012-2019, in one corner.
Razor, the charismatic coach with a scarcely believable 53-3-6 record at Super Rugby level in the other.
Talk about adding another tasty layer to what would already be a heck of an occasion.
Particularly if the All Blacks trial returns in the form of a North Island vs South Island match, which has been floated by NZR officials.
In that case, former Waikato and Chiefs pivot Foster would guide the North Islanders, a side which would be loaded with Beauden Barrett, Sam Whitelock and Sevu Reece, to name a few.
While Robertson was born in Tauranga, Christchurch has practically been home since 1996, and he’s ingrained in Canterbury and South Island ways.
He’d also have a load of talent at his disposal, including Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga and Anton LienertBrown.
Robertson being involved in the touted All Blacks trial should not be a huge surprise.
After all, before Covid-19 chewed up and spat out the playing calendar, NZR asked him to coach the newly named All Blacks XV.
The 45-year-old was considering whether coaching an ’’All Blacks B team’’, one he would not have full control of, would be worthwhile when it became a moot point.
Fixtures were yet to be confirmed, but the newly minted team was to form at the conclusion of the Mitre 10 Cup (October 24) and was slated to play three matches in the northern hemisphere.
The first match was to be played at the end of October, followed by games the first two weeks of November.
Covid-19’s rapid rise, and the travel restrictions which are set to linger for who knows how long, means they can be forgotten.
Given the amount of people who felt Robertson should have got the top job the amount of hype a Razor vs Foster clash would generate should not be underestimated.