Scott Robertson set for last Super Rugby dance in Ian Foster’s heartland
The irony of Crusaders coach Scott Robertson being in Hamilton for his last Super Rugby Pacific assignment may not be lost on Chiefs fans in the days ahead.
Chiefs territory is where All Blacks coach Ian Foster, the man who will be replaced by Robertson next year, learned the craft of guiding, selecting and motivating men in this competition.
If anywhere in New Zealand is going to be populated by supporters of ex-Chiefs coach Foster, who was also a long-serving No 10 for Waikato when the NPC was a big deal, it’s going to be in this region.
Although the people from that part of the country already know their man will walk out the door after the World Cup in France, a consequence of NZ Rugby having already taken the unorthodox step of appointing Robertson as his successor, it doesn’t mean to say they have to like the decision.
Foster certainly didn’t. Hence his decision to go public before Robertson was appointed, to say NZ Rugby should wait until after the World Cup to begin that process.
It was easy to see where was going on this issue.
If the All Blacks could reclaim the Webb Ellis trophy and he wanted to continue in the gig, NZ Rugby would have been painted into a corner. Because who in their right minds would kick out the coach who had just snared the holy grail? To do so would be bold, and controversial.
After Foster’s gripe there his supporters said there was no need to lock-in Robertson so soon, anyway, because there was nowhere for him to go - that the plum overseas coaching jobs had already been filled for 2024. But that wasn’t correct.
South Africa, Argentina, Japan, Scotland (who have since reappointed Gregor Townsend), Wales and Fiji had yet to sign a coach for 2024. Powerhouse Ireland club Leinster may have been another option. So, now, Robertson is preparing for his last dance in SRP, against
Foster the Chiefs in the final in Hamilton.
Win, or lose, his time with the Crusaders is nearly done as he prepares to send his players out on to the manicured turf at FMG Waikato Stadium, and win another title. If they succeed, the team may do Robertson a favour.
A victory in the heartland of the man who didn’t want him to get the All Blacks job, could erase any lingering doubts he deserves to occupy the role.
But that’s down the track. The days ahead won’t lack drama as the Crusaders and Chiefs assess their squads, determine who is fit, and settle on game plans.
Why were opinions divided after the Chiefs beat the Brumbies 19-6 in their semifinal on Saturday night?
Pretty simple, really. Some reckoned it was a tough watch, especially after the Crusaders’ entertaining 52-15 annihilation of the disappointing Blues in the semi in Christchurch on Friday night. Others claimed it was a fine example of high stakes footy, in difficult conditions. We know this: The Chiefs were rewarded for their composure prior to lock Brodie Retallick finally cracking the excellent defence to score in the 78th minute.
Talking of farewells - how big is this for Retallick?
It’s going to be a massive occasion for the monster unit. Retallick is among a group of All Blacks to leave New Zealand after the World Cup, to pocket a big pile of loot in Japan.
Remember, too, that he hails from Canterbury but slipped through the recruiters’ fingers when he was convinced to play in Hawke’s Bay after attending Christchurch Boys’ High School.
The Chiefs will forever be grateful.
Does history mean much ahead of a final?
Not when it comes to the Crusaders. Despite losing both roundrobin games to the Chiefs, they have proved, time and again, under Robertson that they fear no-one in sudden-death footy.
Home, or away, it doesn’t matter. They are capable of getting this job done. They never freeze under the spotlight. It’s now up to Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan to ensure his boys have an appetite for destruction. And to not be blinded by the bright lights.