Will Razor be the
Each day this week, Stuff’s rugby writers will address a burning questi if Scott Robertson guides the Crusaders to a third consecutive Super t
The day when Scott Robertson is named All Blacks coach will be quite the breath of fresh air.
Yes, ‘when’ looks a better bet than ‘if’, but surely the turn of the charismatic customer can’t come just yet.
If Steve Hansen doesn’t decide he wants another crack following next year’s World Cup in Japan, New Zealand Rugby will not be short of contenders to fill the big boots.
And if the man affectionately known as ‘Razor’ whips out another breakdance on July 6 to celebrate a third successive Super Rugby title, he would certainly be one of those names high on the list.
But let’s just hold those Crusaders horses a minute, because the 44-year-old should nowhere near be considered a ‘lock-in’ for the top gig.
As successful as Robertson has been as he has climbed up the ranks, a lack of overseas experience would seemingly immediately count against him.
It would be some sort of mockery if the former All Blacks loose forward was plucked straight from Super Rugby success and planted into the bigtime, when Dave Rennie had forged a similar record at the Chiefs and now finds himself in Glasgow looking to become more worldly.
NZR has always indicated a preference for someone who has spent time abroad honing their craft, out of their comfort zone, adapting to a different style of play, linking with fresh faces.
The last four All Blacks coaches have that section covered on their CVs.
Hansen and Graham Henry both had time in charge of Wales, John Mitchell was forwards coach at both Ireland and England and an assistant at Wasps, while Wayne Smith was at Italian clubs Treviso and Casale prior to taking up his Crusaders position.
It might not be a black and white prerequisite – and whether or not it really makes much difference is arguable – but there’s certainly that added string to the bow seen as beneficial, and illustrated when Vern Cotter was told the reason he missed out in 2011 to Hansen was at least in part due to his lack of experience offshore.
Just one man could seemingly get away without the OE box ticked, and that is current assistant Ian Foster, whose sevenyear knowledge of the ‘environment’ may be considered enough to offset his shortcomings.
That continuity model will surely only be considered if the All Blacks indeed win the World Cup in Japan, otherwise Foster’s hopes are likely as good as done and dusted.
But even if that door was opened, and Ireland mastermind Joe Schmidt is now out of the race, it still leaves the likes of Rennie, Warren Gatland and