All Blacks might not suit Razor
other than yourself, which is why I find Robertson so refreshing. I feel the biggest strength in life is to be yourself rather than what you think you should be.
It’s an amazing privilege coaching the All Blacks, but I’m not that sure Robertson would enjoy it that much because what makes him tick is the environment he creates.
I have experienced coaching club and provincial rugby and then being involved with Italy and South Africa as an assistant coach from an international point of view, and it’s completely different.
The likes of Pep Guardiola and Robertson, who are very talented coaches at ‘‘club’’ level, rarely venture into international management because it’s a very different challenge. The latter is not a week-on-week challenge and isn’t about building a group within an environment, which is Robertson’s greatest strength.
From an All Blacks viewpoint, what Robertson and his coaches have achieved this season is invaluable. Having won Super Rugby, and with 11 Crusaders named in the All Blacks’ 39-man squad, the confidence the Crusaders-laden group will carry into the Rugby Championship will be immense.
The ability of the Crusaders to hold onto their leader is important. However, in terms of the desired model, the notion is no-one is bigger than the system. If the system is healthy, it will always overcome individuals.
It will be interesting to see if Robertson will be happy to continue to drive the Crusaders machine forward because, for organisations to enjoy consistency, it requires effective leaders. Players and support staff can come and go, but central leadership is the bedrock.